The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXV November-December 2026 No. 4 Published by the American Council of the Blind ***** * Be A Part of ACB The American Council of the Blind (R) 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. 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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 in Action: How to Advocate as Another Congressional Session Is Wrapping Up, by Claire Stanley Convention 2027: Traveling to Jacksonville, by Janet Dickelman In Memoriam: Terry Pacheco, March 28, 1951 -- September 2, 2026, by Penny Reeder and Sharon Lovering Readers' Memories of Terry Pacheco Secrets of the Magic Tap, by Deborah Armstrong Update from the Accessible Insulin Pump Task Force, by Veronica Elsea The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, by Tom Tobin Could You Have Diabetes or Prediabetes and Not Know It?, by Patricia Maddix Living Well with Diabetes, and Speaking Up While We Do It, by Sugar Lopez My Diabetic Journey: Learning to Do Better, by Alicia Eidson Diabetes: I Don't Need a Cape, I've Got a CGM and Other Superpowers, by Janine Schlimgen Surprising Complications of Diabetes, by Jane Merrill Triumph with Ozempic: A Journey of Weight Loss and Diabetes Management, by Danette Dixon You Are Enough: Living Well with Diabetes without Perfection, by Sugar Lopez Affiliate News 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 January 2027: Theme: Resolutions; Deadline: November 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 in Action: How to Advocate as Another Congressional Session Is Wrapping Up by Claire Stanley As we come to the end of the 119th Congressional session, we must think about what the next session will bring. It can often feel discouraging when, after a two-year session, the bills we have been pushing for do not make it across the finish line. What happens when bills are not adopted into law at the end of the two-year process? They are wiped clean and must be reintroduced in the next session if advocates want to attempt to get them passed in the next Congressional session. This process can seem exhausting sometimes. But I hope we can instead look at this opportunity with excitement. This is a time to begin anew and speak out for the blind and low vision community in innovative and exciting ways. It is also true that more is being done at the state level right now. As a result, it is fair to assert that advocacy should broaden to address things in a different manner to see real change. Some advocates assert we should completely shift from congressional advocacy to different forms of advocacy. However, we should still work to advocate at the federal level. Yes, things may take time, but it's part of the process. Yes, advocates should always pivot to most effectively make change. We want to be strategic and not just do the same old thing if it is not working. But we must continue to show our face in Washington, D.C. Although things may change, we should continue to speak for our community in the halls of Congress. Things may be difficult, but we do not want to abandon them altogether. Therefore, although things may look different and we may pivot to alternative forms of advocacy in some capacity, and we must acknowledge the differences in our federal government right now, ACB will continue to speak to our legislature about the needs of the blind and low vision community. Remember, keep advocating. We hope you all felt empowered if you voted in the November mid-term elections. ***** ** Convention 2027: Traveling to Jacksonville by Janet Dickelman The home of the 2027 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention will be the Hyatt Regency Riverfront Hotel, located at 225 E. Coastline Dr. in Jacksonville. In-person convention dates are July 23rd through July 30th. The opening general session will be on Saturday, July 24th. The exhibit hall will be open Sunday through Wednesday. We will have day-long tours both Fridays, July 23 and 30, with many other tours throughout convention week. Special-interest affiliates, committees and our business partners will hold sessions throughout the convention. * Traveling to Jacksonville The Jacksonville airport (airport code JAX) is 15 miles from the hotel. The following airlines fly to JAX: • Air Canada • Allegiant Air • American Air Lines • Avelo Air • Breeze Airways • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Air Lines • JetBlue Airways • Southwest Airlines • Sun Country • United Airlines Uber or Lyft will cost around $35 from the airport to the hotel; a taxi is about $10 higher. We are working with zTrip to set up a rate for ACB as we did in 2024. If you'd like to travel to Jacksonville by train or bus, the Greyhound station is located at 1111 W. Forsyth St., 1.2 miles from the hotel. If you plan on taking the train, Amtrak's station is at 3570 Clifford Ln., 5.6 miles from the hotel. * Hotel Details Room rates at the Hyatt are $119 per night (single or double), plus tax. Rates for triple are $144 (plus tax), and for quad $169, plus tax. Reservation information will be posted when it becomes available. * Hotel Amenities The hotel has a laundromat, exercise room and an outdoor pool. All rooms have refrigerators, safes, ironing boards, and Keurig style coffee makers. * Staying in Touch The convention announce list will be filled with information. To subscribe to the list, send a blank e-mail to Acbconvention+subscribe@acblists.org. If you received updates for the 2026 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe to the list. For any convention-related questions, please contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, at (651) 428-5059 or via e-mail, janet.dickelman@gmail.com. May you have the best holiday ever, whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another celebration. Wishing you a season of joy, love, good food, and time with friends and family. ***** ** In Memoriam: Terry Pacheco March 28, 1951 -- September 2, 2026 by Penny Reeder and Sharon Lovering Terry Doherty Pacheco, 75, of Silver Spring, Md., formerly of Braintree and Arlington, Mass., passed away September 2nd after a long battle with kidney disease. Born on March 28, 1951, to the late James and Theresa Doherty, Terry was a 1968 graduate of Arlington High School, where she was very active in student clubs and activities. She was one of the first students with vision loss to complete the entire program. Terry went on to Chandler School for Women, where she met lifelong friends, including her bestie, Lorraine Griffin. While living in Boston she met the love of her life, Frank Pacheco, who would become her husband of 53 years. She and Frank adopted a special child -- Scott. She went on to establish herself in a long and accomplished career, becoming a leader and a voice for the blind community. She and Frank joined ACB in its second decade, and the values by which ACB defined itself then have remained the values she has helped all of us to adopt and promote throughout the succeeding decades of advocacy, camaraderie, empathy, caring, and fun that she and so many of us have shared together. Terry was a person who loved life completely. She enjoyed interacting with other people, and she truly had, and treasured, hundreds of friends. Some of those friendships dated back to her childhood, when she and her family spent summers on Onset Beach. Terry made friends throughout her lifetime. She nurtured those relationships, and whether you had met Terry in middle school or while she operated a Randolph-Sheppard vending facility, or as a new caller to the "VISAbilities" show which she hosted every Friday evening for the last six years on ACB Media, or any time in between, you knew that Terry was the kind of friend who would be there, always willing to listen, offering advice and rooting for your success any time you were able to connect. In 1999, Terry and Frank relocated from New England to Silver Spring, Md., where she furthered her passion to gain equality and support for blind and low vision people by advocating and raising awareness for the disabled community. She joined the staff of the ACB National Office in 1999 as the Coordinator of Affiliate and Membership Services. She was responsible for the scholarship program, the internship program, annual legislative seminars, and worked in tandem with the convention coordinator to put together ACB national conventions. She remained in that position until 2006. Terry loved reading and learning, cooking and entertaining, bringing order to chaos and planning get-togethers, intimate and enormous and in-between. There are many in ACB with fond memories of sharing comforting meals, entertaining stories, and friendship around Terry and Frank's dining table, and lots who fondly remember the parties she planned and hosted for colleagues and friends who were looking to celebrate an upcoming marriage or anniversary, an expected baby, a birthday, St. Patrick's Day, or any near holiday. Terry was an active member of many ACB affiliates throughout the years. She was the kind of member an affiliate could count upon to step up when someone was needed to plan or host an auction, fill a vacancy on a board, contribute to a newsletter, find a creative solution to a problem, plan a convention program, or simply serve as a reliable member who, you knew, would be there to do what she had promised to do. In 2022, Terry was elected to the ACB Board of Directors. Her term wrapped up at the end of this year's convention. Terry completed her career in service to people with disabilities at the Federal Communications Commission, where she created and implemented strategies to bring government agencies and associates into compliance with Internet and telecommunications accessibility requirements. Terry is survived by her treasured husband, Frank, and their loving son, Scott, of Somerville. She was preceded in death by her sister, Diane Smith. She leaves Diane's husband, Bob Smith of Stoneham, her brother Jim Doherty and wife Denise of Andover, and her sister Carol Doherty and her late spouse Ivy Gorman of Wareham and Stoneham. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry's memory to Perkins School for the Blind, 175 N. Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472. * Photo Caption: Frank and Terry Pacheco celebrate Terry's birthday in 2017. (Photo courtesy of Terry's Facebook page.) ***** *** Readers' Memories of Terry Pacheco ** I don't know how to deal with the loss of Terry Pacheco. She and I and Frank and Scott and the Reeder clan were inseparable when I was in D.C. When Gayle died, Terry and Frank came to help me deal when I needed all the help I could get. We shared a love of reading; we loved modern folk music together and shared new finds with each other. We cruised together and Frank and I both got sick! We both smoked, and spent lots of time sharing nicotine and conversation. Terry and Frank were members of ACB before I became active at the national level, but we were fast friends once we found each other. We shared being broadcasters on ACB Media; she was a guest on Tuesday Topics, and I was a guest on her show. She was not only an ACB member and board member; she was also an employee of ACB at a time when there were a lot fewer folks to get things done. Terry cared for people, for ACB and for justice. At some point soon Topics will invite people to join us and remember Terry. For now, I just want to say how much I will miss that husky voice, that Boston accent and that amazing smoky laugh. Terry may have passed on, but she will never leave the memories of those who loved her! Frank and Scott and other members of Terry's family must know how much Terry will be missed! Lately Terry had to use a walker and was finding it harder to get around, but she still came to events when she could and spent time with those of us she cared about. Originals with principle can't be replaced. They can only be mourned and missed! Be at peace, Terry! We love you! -- Paul Edwards ** When I think of Terry, I think of her theme song for VISAbilities, "Welcome In." That was Terry, she was a friend to all. You may not always agree with each other, but she cared so much about ACB and each of our members. This is indeed a loss for ACB and her family and many friends. -- Janet Dickelman ** Terry's passing is such sad news, and I really don't know what to say except I'm so sorry for all of us, but especially you, Penny, as I know the two of you were very close friends, and her family. I never met Scott, but I knew Frank, and he was as much fun as Terry was. My first real memory of Terry was when she showed up at an ACB of New York convention shortly after she started working in the national office. Since she and I have been ACB members since the '70s, we often reminisced about things that happened "back in the day." And I too loved the song she used to open her VISAbilities programs. Terry, I know you've been suffering with health issues for the past several years, and I know how much you wanted to serve on the ACB Board of Directors for another term. But maybe you can guide us from up there, as Wendell Berry's poem suggests. And I'll think of you every time I eat a piece of Zelda's fudge! (Those who participate in ACB's Holiday Auction will know what I'm talking about!) Rest in peace, Terry, and pray for all of us still here. We'll see you again one day. -- Jean Mann ** This is truly sad news and a loss to ACB! I met Terry in the late 1990s when I attended my first ACB convention. She was a real people person and a wealth of information. She was never too busy to answer questions or research the information just to be sure what she was sharing was correct. Terry was dedicated to ACB, and her voice will truly be missed! Sending condolences to Frank and the rest of the family and her many friends! -- Peggy Garrett ** Terry's passion and commitment to ACB and its members were off the charts. As Janet said, you may not have always agreed with her, but she made you think about things that you might not otherwise have even considered. She will be missed. -- Jeff Thom ** I am extremely shocked and saddened to hear this news. I have many fond memories of Terry, especially when she worked in the ACB national office dealing with membership issues and concerns, and she was a heck of an auctioneer back a decade and a half ago or so at the ACB of Maryland auctions held in conjunction with their state conventions before COVID hit. Rest in peace, Terry; we remember you fondly and will miss you terribly! -- John McCann ** This news is rather heartbreaking. Terry was so passionate about ACB, and I enjoyed hearing her stories of other ACB members and leaders who have passed on before her. I am so thankful to have been a part of her VISAbilities program during the month of June to showcase 12 of our 2026 ACB scholarship winners. She was so supportive of ACB Next Generation during the early days, and continued to support our affiliate as much as possible. -- Amanda Selm ** Terry was kind, funny, snarky, opinionated, service-oriented, and many other things -- to the max. Peace and blessings to those who were much closer to her than I was. -- Peter Altschul ** I had the opportunity to get to know Terry through our auction donation efforts and through VISAbilities, and I am grateful for those connections and conversations. It is clear from the many messages being shared just how many people Terry touched throughout her life and how much she meant to the ACB community. My thoughts and prayers are with Frank, Scott, her family, her many friends, and all those whose lives she impacted over the years. May the memories, stories, laughter, and friendships she leaves behind bring comfort in the days ahead. -- Jennifer Bazer ** When I first started Sunday Edition, Terry was incredibly supportive. She was always an invaluable resource and was willing to have just about any conversation, particularly when it involved something she cared deeply about. As a friend and an unofficial mentor, she was extraordinarily generous with her knowledge and her time, and maybe occasionally far too generous with her opinions. LOL. But that was Terry, and I wouldn't have wanted her any other way. It is almost impossible to imagine that a force like Terry is actually gone. This is a tremendous loss for our community. Friday nights will not be the same without the option of VISAbilities. And I will be the one to say it. Board meetings won't be the same without Terry holding leadership to account, speaking her truth, and occasionally treating everyone to one of her spontaneous history lessons. Terry, thank you for the friendship. Thank you for the mentorship. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your passion, your voice, and yes, all those opinions. -- Anthony Corona ** I only had a handful of conversations with Terry, but after each one I felt so lucky to have had it and so eager to connect with her again. The last time, late June or early July, began because she had a question for me, but I wound up getting some very significant advice from her. Because of that conversation, I came to convention for the first time in a long while. Thank you, Terry, for reminding me to be brave, and thank you for sharing yourself with so many of us. I am so thankful to have had that last conversation with Terry and hope I keep my resolve to connect with people, now rather than later, and to remind myself to keep front of mind that now is all we have for certain. -- Deborah Kendrick ***** ** Secrets of the Magic Tap by Deborah Armstrong iPhone VoiceOver users depend on the "magic tap," a two-finger double-tap that performs a myriad of functions. The term "magic tap" is not official Apple lingo, and was invented by a user and went viral. But sometimes the magic seems to go haywire. You want to dictate a message, but when you two-finger double-tap, your phone begins playing music. Or maybe you are trying to answer or end a call, but despite repeatedly invoking the magic tap, nothing happens. The solution is easy once you understand why this occurs. The problem is context. VoiceOver always knows what you are focused on. Whether it's a piece of text, or what Apple calls an infographic, VoiceOver's cursor, which is also visible to sighted users, is pointing to something. The magic tap acts differently depending on what's being pointed at. For example, if you are pointing inside an edit field, VoiceOver knows a magic tap means you want to dictate. If you are dictating, it knows you want to stop dictating. If you are pointing outside of an edit field, it knows you want to play the last thing you played: a video, music, podcast or audio book. If something is playing, VoiceOver knows you want to pause playback. If the phone is ringing, a magic tap means you want to answer the call. If you are on the phone, a magic tap means you want to end the call. This context gets complicated if you are in the middle of dictating when the phone rings, or if you have paused playback and now need to dictate. VoiceOver gets confused about the context and does the wrong thing. There is also a problem if the phone rings and you need to dig it out of your pocket. Because the phone is in sleep mode, VoiceOver is not pointing to anything, so it has no context about what it's supposed to do with your magic tap. The secret is to touch the screen first, so VoiceOver is pointing to something (it doesn't matter what), then invoke the magic tap to answer the call. Whenever your magic tap goes awry, try to think about context. Move into an edit field if your plan is to dictate, and away from an edit field if you need to pause playback. Touch the screen when your phone rings, or when you need to end a call before two-finger double-tapping. You find when you think about where VoiceOver is pointing, your magic tap will more often give you what you expected. ***** ** Update from the Accessible Insulin Pump Task Force by Veronica Elsea Have you heard the news? Are you now joining many of your peers and managing your diabetes with an insulin pump? Are you still being told that people who cannot see the screen should not use an insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor? Life for those of us living with vision loss and diabetes has changed significantly since our last update in the November 2022 Braille Forum. Not only do we now have access to current diabetes management technology, but we have choices! We can choose an insulin pump based on factors such as tubing or tubeless, how the pump fits our lifestyle, experience with the company, and the usual whims of our health insurance provider. No longer are we limited to a single device because it has some access to a few features which we can use after struggling with work-arounds. Smartphones have made the biggest difference in allowing us to take better control of our diabetes, as many current devices are controlled by apps, not inaccessible hardware. Things aren't perfect yet, but we are able to use continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps successfully and independently. * Continuous Glucose Monitors Many blind diabetics are using either the Dexcom or the Libre CGM's. There is no longer a need to use a receiver. All we need to do is to have the ordinary discussion with our insurance companies, download the appropriate app, slap on a sensor and start getting constant readouts of our blood sugar levels. No more finger sticks! A lot more information! No more making our own documents to share with our doctors because our readings can be automatically downloaded from the app! We still need to gain full access to the graphs, but truly gaining information right now is allowing us to know what is happening in our bodies and make good choices and decisions. * Insulin Pumps Just in the past two years, a great big double door swung open for us. As of this writing, those who are blind or live with low vision are successfully using at least four different pumps: Mobi from Tandem, Omnipod 5 from Insulet, The Flex system from MiniMed, and Twiist from Sequel Med Tech. All four devices are controlled by smartphone apps. With the Mobi, the Flex system and the Twiist, you will receive an actual pump to which you attach tubing and a cannula that goes into your body and delivers insulin. However, that will likely change soon as most companies seem to be wanting to offer a tubeless option now. The Omnipod stores insulin in a "pod" which you stick on to your body and contains the programming and the cannula for delivering the insulin. There is no tubing or extra device. Training is required to learn how to fill cartridges or pods and to understand all of the various screens on the app. There is a bit of a learning curve for us, as the apps still may contain some unlabeled buttons or may locate features in interesting places. But the most important thing to know is that many of your peers are managing their insulin needs with no assistance from anyone else. Here are some recommendations if you are curious, eager or desperate: • Get your hands on each pump! You may always request a meeting with an educator or trainer so you can feel the pump and play with the app. It can be challenging if the trainer doesn't know much about VoiceOver or Talkback, but be the squeaky wheel! • Talk with your peers! Whether it's through the ACBDA email list or just asking around, please know that we are all willing to help each other and will happily share the good, bad and life-altering experience of living with an insulin pump, supporting you in your journey. • Try out the pumps! All insulin pump companies will let you purchase a pump, try it for 30 days or so, and return it if it doesn't work for you. There may be some paperwork involved, but it's a common practice. This gives you time to explore in comfort so you ultimately feel good about your choice. And remember, you can decide not to use a pump for reasons other than accessibility, just as your sighted peers do. • Ask for help! All companies have tech support and trainers who are just a phone call away. Everyone needs help sometimes, and customer service people are gaining more experience with those of us who rely on VoiceOver and Talkback. Now that continuous glucose monitors (CGM's) can be paired with our insulin pumps to make insulin dosing more automatic, we are able to live as our sighted peers do, spending less time and effort on making decisions and manually entering necessary information. Yes, we can do this! * Next Steps One of our main goals is to address the disclaimer found on websites of all of these manufacturers which says that you cannot use their device if you can't see the screen or hear the alarms. Hello? There are no screens anymore. Phones can be set to vibrate. While many of us have been ignoring these statement for decades, we don't want anyone to be discouraged from using these fantastic devices because they, their family members, or their healthcare professionals get dissuaded by these warnings. We are working with manufacturers to be included in focus groups so that our needs are addressed early in the design phase, not after the fact. We are helping to establish a culture of accessibility at these companies so that one day, there may not be a need for a task force like ours. We are continuing to strive to collaborate with even more manufacturers as more new products come on the market. We are continuing to share our stories and show manufacturers, educators, healthcare professionals and others living with diabetes and vision loss just how capable and successful we can be. Finally, we want to join our peers and live life to the fullest, not just thinking about how in the world we'll manage our diabetes. Watch for things to continue to get even better! Thank you to our dedicated task force members: Veronica Elsea, Chair Tom Tobin Patricia Maddix Randy Knapp Mary Davis Ed Worrell Miranda McPherson ***** ** The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act by Tom Tobin, First Vice-President, ACB Diabetics In Action The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, H.R. 5605, was introduced in the 119th Congress and currently enjoys bipartisan support with co-sponsors of the bill from both parties. Generally speaking, if this legislation moves through Congress and is signed into law by the President, it would require all pharmaceutical companies who manufacture tier II and tier III durable medical equipment (DME) to make such equipment fully accessible. This would include insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, blood glucose meters, insulin pens and other non-diabetes related DME such as blood pressure monitors, oximeters and in-home dialysis machines. The passage of this legislation could have a profound impact on the lives of individuals living with diabetes and vision loss. Statistically, diabetes is still the leading cause of blindness among working-age individuals, so making these devices fully accessible is essential. According to ACB staff, NFB has been working to find a Senate sponsor to develop a companion bill in the Senate, but as of this writing, progress on this is unknown. So, please keep your eyes and ears peeled regarding developments on this critical legislation, and be prepared to take action when it is requested. ***** ** Could You Have Diabetes or Prediabetes and Not Know It? by Patricia Maddix Yes, you could. Let's look at some surprising statistics. According to the American Diabetes Association, about 98 million American adults have prediabetes. This is nearly 40% of adults, but 80% do not know it. Fifty percent of adults over 65 have prediabetes. Nearly 40 million Americans have an actual diagnosis of diabetes. One in 10 adults have diabetes, and 1 in 4 people over 65 have diabetes. This epidemic continues to grow, with someone in the U.S. being diagnosed every 26 seconds. It is very possible that you or close family and friends have either prediabetes or diabetes. Why is it important? Prediabetes can very easily progress to Type 2 diabetes, and this can involve other unwanted health issues such as high blood pressure, high blood lipids, heart problems, eye problems, kidney problems, etc. Even with the high incidence of diabetes in the population, there may be a number of things you can do to prevent the condition. First, let's define what blood glucose levels are associated with the different stages of diabetes. Adults should be getting regular blood work done when they have an annual check-up. When a person has fasted overnight, their blood glucose should be below 100. 100-124 is considered to be prediabetes, and 125 and above is a diagnosis of diabetes if it is confirmed on a second test. Hopefully, your number is in the normal range. Even so, you might want to take the quick questionnaire on the CDC website that can assess your risk for developing prediabetes. Go to DoIhaveprediabetes.org. So, if you are at risk for developing prediabetes or diabetes, is there anything you can do to lower that risk or is it just a matter of luck? Yes, there are definitely things you can do, and the earlier you take action, the better. Here is some valuable information from Diatribe.org from their May 26, 2026 newsletter: * More than half of Type 2 cases may be preventable, study suggests Type 2 diabetes may feel like a matter of luck, especially if diabetes runs in the family. It's easy to wonder if genetics tells the whole story or whether day-to-day choices meaningfully affect risk. A large study looked at 332,000 adults without diabetes and examined how genetic risk and lifestyle factors worked together. Over about 14 years, researchers found higher body mass index, smoking, less physical activity and diet quality were linked with a higher risk of Type 2 even when genetic risk was taken into account. (Editor's Note: For more information about the study, visit https://www.umass.edu/public-health-sciences/news/over-half-type-2-diabetes-cases-preventable.) * Why it matters If you have a family history of Type 2 diabetes, or have been told you are at higher risk, these findings could help. Talk with your healthcare provider about screening for Type 2 and, if relevant, weight management support, smoking cessation and ways to add regular physical activity that feel realistic for you. Those at higher risk of Type 2 diabetes deserve support tools and clear guidance that can make a difference. Brenda Jagatic, a diabetes educator who spoke to ACBDA at our summer convention, outlined the following steps a person can take to lower the risk of diabetes: • Lower body weight by 5-7% if indicated. • Limit high sugar and highly processed foods. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean/low-fat proteins and dairy, and healthy fats in meals and snacks. • Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity. • Get adequate sleep, 7-9 hours. • Use stress management tools. In conclusion, there are many things you can do to lower your risk for developing diabetes, and these same lifestyle measures are beneficial for people who have a diagnosis of diabetes. Even non-diabetic members of the family will benefit from these healthy habits. Healthy lifestyle changes are not easy to accomplish, so if you are interested in individual or group classes and support, check out the Diabetes Prevention Program sponsored by CDC.gov. These are available throughout the U.S. both in person and virtually. ***** ** Living Well with Diabetes, and Speaking Up While We Do It by Sugar Lopez (Presented in 2026 at Fresno University's Health Fair.) Diabetes is personal, but it's also bigger than any one of us. Every day, people in our community are counting carbs, checking glucose, navigating medications, and making constant decisions just to stay well. That's real work. And while we carry that responsibility, we also carry something just as important: our voices. Research published by the American Diabetes Association shows that many people living with diabetes experience not only challenges, but also meaningful personal growth, becoming more intentional, more informed, and more engaged in their health and their communities. And that's where advocacy begins. Living well with diabetes isn't just about what happens at home. It's also about what happens in: • Doctors' offices • Workplaces • Schools • Public policy Advocacy Can Look Like: • Speaking up for access to affordable medications and supplies • Educating others about what diabetes really is (and isn't) • Supporting policies that improve care and accessibility • Standing beside others in the diabetes community so no one feels alone Organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention remind us that managing diabetes goes beyond individual habits. It also requires strong support systems, education, and access to resources. * Let's Be Real Advocacy doesn't mean pretending everything is OK. There are hard days. Burnout is real. Costs can be overwhelming. Access isn't always equal. These are not small issues, and they deserve attention, action, and change. Here's the powerful truth: When we speak up, we turn our daily experiences into something bigger, something that can improve life for everyone living with diabetes. Every time you share your story, you are advocating. Every time you ask a question or challenge a barrier, you are advocating. Every time you support someone else, you are advocating. And every time we come together as a community, like we do here in ACB Diabetics in Action, we amplify that impact. * A Final Word: Live your life fully. Laugh. Travel. Celebrate. Pursue your goals. And remember: Your experience matters. Your voice carries weight. Together, we can create a future where living with diabetes is not just manageable, but supported, understood, and respected. ***** ** My Diabetic Journey: Learning to Do Better by Alicia Eidson I became diabetic in 1997. For the first two years, I managed my diabetes with diet and one pill a day called Glucotrol. I actually did pretty well with my diet, at least until one day when I was having lunch with two diabetic friends, Melinda and Debbie. I ordered milk instead of a Coke, and they teased me about it. They said things like, "You'll get over it," and, "Give it some time, and you'll be cheating too!" Unfortunately, they were right. One day, I was dying for a Snickers bar, so I ate one. When I realized I didn't die from eating it, I thought, "Why was I being so good all this time if I can eat this and be OK?" That one moment started me down a path of making poor choices for many years. Eventually, my diabetes became much more serious, and I ended up becoming insulin-dependent. I started taking insulin shots, but I still wasn't getting better. Of course, I wasn't getting better because I wasn't doing what I needed to do. It took many years of making the wrong choices before some wonderful friends introduced me to ACBDA. I began paying closer attention. I listened to my doctors. I started watching my carbohydrates, eating better, and cutting back on sugar. No, I'm still not perfect, but I am so much better than I used to be. My A1C used to be in the 9s and 10s, and now it is 7.3! I am absolutely ecstatic! I would love to see it reach the 6s someday, but right now, one of my biggest challenges is drinking enough water. I am especially grateful to John, Larry, and Sugar for encouraging me to take better care of myself and for reminding me that I can do this. I also want others in ACBDA to know how much I enjoyed meeting new people at our mixer in St. Louis. Thank you all for the recipes, encouragement, friendship, and for being there when I have questions. My journey is far from perfect, but I have learned that making better choices one day at a time really can make a difference. I am incredibly grateful to be part of this affiliate and to have people who encourage me along the way. ***** ** Diabetes: I Don't Need a Cape, I've Got a CGM and Other Superpowers by Janine Schlimgen Hello ACB community! I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Janine, and I'm a member of ACBDA, affectionately known as Diabetics in Action. Think of us as the Avengers, but with glucose tablets. Our affiliate is made up of people who are pre-diabetic, newly diagnosed, long-time diabetics, and even folks who simply want to live healthier lives. Wherever you are on the journey, we've got information, encouragement, and real-life tips that don't require a secret decoder ring. If you've ever Googled "is this snack worth it," you're one of us! Living with diabetes has been a lifelong adventure. I was diagnosed at age three what used to be called "juvenile diabetes," now known as Type 1. At that age, I knew about as much as any toddler does. I was mostly concerned with snacks and cartoons. My parents had to learn quickly how to manage blood sugars, give injections, and keep me safe. Growing up I heard stories of them practicing with syringes on an orange. Imagine being that orange. It never asked for that. Fast forward to maturity. I took over my own care. Medical technology has come a long way since those early days, and I've learned to develop what I call my diabetic superpower -- carb vision. From injections to using a pump, I've had to become deeply aware of what I eat and how it affects me. I can usually tell you the carb count of a food item and how much insulin it will take to cover it. It's like having a built-in nutrition label scanner minus the barcode. That's a big part of managing blood sugars. For reference, the average person's blood sugar runs under 100. A diabetic aims for 80 - 180. Sounds simple, right? Let me be honest: it's not. It took years of patience, trial, error, and the occasional "what do you MEAN that tiny cookie was 45 carbs?" I'm finally there. My superpower didn't develop overnight. For example, an apple is about 32 carbs, which means I need roughly 3 units of insulin. I use what I lovingly call a "dumb pump," so I count clicks to deliver the right amount of insulin. The analog version of diabetes tech. It may sound complicated, but it becomes second nature, like counting sheep, only with more math and fewer naps. Technology has also changed the game. Every diabetic needs an A1C test every three months. It measures your average blood sugar over that period. Thanks to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) -- those quarter-sized discs you may have seen on someone's arm -- my A1C has been holding steady at 6.3. Most doctors want you below 7.0, so I'm proud of that. Technology helped me rise to the challenge. Here's a universal truth: every diabetic becomes a world-class snack strategist. With time, we all learn what works for our bodies, because everyone is different. Managing diabetes is a job, yes, but it's one worth doing. If I could give one piece of advice to anyone who is pre-diabetic or newly diagnosed, it would be this: take your health seriously and take control early. Ask yourself: who is in charge -- you or diabetes? Knowledge truly is power. ***** ** Surprising Complications of Diabetes by Jane Merrill I was hospitalized for two weeks when I was diagnosed a Type 1 diabetic at age 8, in 1960. During my stay, the nurses taught me about diabetes, urine sugar testing (with test tubes and eye droppers), diet and insulin shots. The rule was I could not be discharged until I could administer my shot by myself. How much insulin I took was based solely on the level of sugar in my urine. It was all a bit overwhelming to a child, and complications were not mentioned. However, because I was in a military hospital (my dad was in the Navy), I was with females of all ages, including a young adult with Type 1 diabetes. I was told she was "bad": that she did not follow her diet and that if I followed her steps I would end up like her. She died while I was in the hospital. As a child and teenager, I was rigorous about my diabetes regime. But as a young adult in a bad marriage, I did not take care of myself mentally or physically. I heard of complications and met people with diabetes and blindness and those with diabetes and kidney disease, but complications had not affected my life yet. After 30 years of diabetes, I was driving home one night and saw red lights all around me. I realized something major was wrong, and I went to see an ophthalmologist the next day. He said I had diabetic retinopathy and that my retinas were bleeding. I was sent to a hospital about an hour and a half from my home, where I had several surgeries and many laser treatments. My sight in my left eye was spared at 20/900; but my right eye collapsed after multiple surgeries and was covered with a prosthetic shell. I took the loss of vision in stride, knowing that diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in middle-aged adults. And I was thankful I still had some vision, because all the diabetics with vision loss that I had met were totally blind. This was not a surprising complication! Several years later, I saw my first podiatrist because I had ulcers on the toes of my right foot. The ulcers became infected, and the infections went to the bones. And one by one I had my toes amputated until my right foot had no toes. After healing, I walked a little differently, but there was no major impact to my life. Once again, by this point in life, I had met several diabetics with missing feet or legs, so I accepted my loss as part of diabetes. A number of years later, I started having problems keeping my blood pressure at a reasonable level. It would drop to 30/55 and I would feel faint. My doctor told me to take decongestants to increase my blood pressure. About this time, I saw a new doctor. When I told him about my blood pressure and he confirmed it during my first visit, he told me to immediately start taking a medication because my kidneys were not secreting potassium and it was building in my blood stream. It could stop my heart. I had never heard of renal acidosis and never heard of it as a diabetic complication! I was aware of diabetics having renal failure, but this was different -- a surprising complication! But one controlled by a medication regime. Soon after, I experienced two complications of diabetes that were both surprising to me. I found that after eating dinner, I felt bloated and full. I took my bolus for my carbohydrates but after an hour, my blood sugar would drop suddenly, unbeknownst to me, and I would pass out. I learned I had two complications: my stomach was not digesting properly, and I had hypoglycemic unawareness! Years went by and I settled into a medicine and insulin regime. I would have highs and lows, but my A1C and time in range were both excellent. As I entered my seventies, I experienced more issues with digestion and found that -- SURPRISE! -- I had nerve dysfunction in my stomach and bowels, slowing the motility of my digestion. Once again, an addition to my medicine controlled the issue. And just when I thought there were no more surprises, as I was approaching 75 this year, I had a series of orthopedic issues. First, with a pain in my knee I discovered I had a stress fracture in the condyle of my left femur. After waiting five months for a repeat MRI, I found the fracture did not heal, but had died. The doctor stated that it was a lack of blood flow to the bone that caused the death of the bone. The repair required a partial knee replacement and bone cement in place of the necrosed condyle. The surgery went well and I was rehabbing until a new pain about four inches below my knee prevented my walking even with a walker. I went to the emergency room at 4 a.m. to find that my tibia was broken. The softness of the bone due to diabetes allowed the knee replacement to chisel away at the tibia, causing the fracture. I spent 6 weeks putting no weight on my left leg and have started 6 additional weeks of partial weight bearing before I can walk again. These were surprising complications of diabetes for me. I had no idea diabetes could affect bones. Today, after 66 years of Type 1 diabetes, I have a number of complications that are controlled by medication or surgery. I have lived longer than most people who were diagnosed with diabetes in 1960 and expect to live more years. My personal experiences and those of people I have met or read about has shown me that diabetes is pervasive. It can affect any part of the body. Newer technology and treatment protocols have prevented diabetics from getting as many complications, but there are still complications. So when you get symptoms and cannot quite place them, consult with your diabetes care team. You, too, could have a surprising complication! ***** ** Triumph with Ozempic: A Journey of Weight Loss and Diabetes Management by Danette Dixon My name is Danette Dixon, and this is a little of my journey. This was and still is a process. It did not happen overnight; it took about two years. Losing 75 pounds is no small feat. It is not just about the number on the scale -- it is about how weight loss transforms overall health. A lifestyle change, eating better, exercising, and getting the right amount of sleep. With the help of Ozempic, a medication originally designed for type 2 diabetes but now widely recognized for its role in weight management, this journey became possible. My diabetic educator says Ozempic is used to metabolize what you eat. As the pounds came off, something remarkable happened: the body's insulin needs decreased. Lower weight often improves insulin sensitivity, meaning the same amount of insulin works more effectively. For someone using insulin therapy, this can lead to a lower insulin ratio and fewer units needed throughout the day. This is exactly what happened to me. Every day about 3:00, no matter what I did, the insulin would drop and drop fast. I had a tough time getting it to go back up to a good range again. The next time I saw my endocrinologist, we lowered the carb ratio and insulin ratio. It took a couple times of doing this and it's still not perfect, so when I see her again, we will make another adjustment. But it was not only about insulin. The carbohydrate ratio -- the balance between carbs eaten and insulin required -- also shifted. At certain times of day, insulin acted faster and stronger, requiring careful adjustments. This discovery highlights the importance of daily monitoring and working closely with healthcare providers to fine-tune treatment plans. The story of losing 75 pounds with Ozempic is more than a personal victory. It is a reminder that weight loss, medication, and lifestyle changes can be worked together to reshape diabetes management. For many, it means fewer injections, more stable blood sugars, and a renewed sense of control. This is a daily journey, and I am not done yet. But what I can tell you is I feel much better; I have more energy and I'm thinking more clearly. I still have about 30 pounds to lose, but it is a huge beginning. Thank you to ACBDA. This is where I find support and encouragement, so this is where I choose to give back. ***** ** You Are Enough: Living Well with Diabetes without Perfection by Sugar Lopez Greetings! I want to share with you something many people with diabetes think about but don't always say out loud. • The pressure to be perfect. • Perfect numbers. • Perfect routines. • Perfect control. If you live with diabetes, especially as a blind or visually impaired person, you already work harder than most people realize. You're managing medications, food choices, activity, stress, and daily life, often without the visual cues others rely on. That takes effort, creativity, patience, and strength. So let me say this clearly, right from the start: • It is OK if your numbers are not perfect. • It is OK if they aren't "excellent" all the time. • And it does not mean you're failing. Diabetes is not a test you pass or fail. It's a condition you live with, one day, one moment, one decision at a time. There are days when you do everything right, and your blood sugar still doesn't behave the way you expect. There are other days when you're tired, stressed, sick, or simply worn out, and that shows up in your numbers. That's not a personal flaw. That's diabetes being diabetes. • Your value is not defined by a glucose reading. • Your effort is not erased by a high or low number. • And your strength doesn't disappear because you had a rough day. For blind diabetics especially, there can be an added layer of pressure: the feeling that you have to prove you're doing well, that you're capable, that you're "managing correctly." But the truth is, managing diabetes is complex for everyone. You are not behind. You are not doing it wrong. You are adapting, and adaptation is a skill, not a weakness. I want to also share something else that doesn't get enough attention: diabetes burnout. Burnout doesn't mean you don't care. It means you've been caring for a long time. When you're tired of checking, counting, correcting, and constantly thinking about your health, that's not failure. That's fatigue. And fatigue deserves compassion, not criticism. Doing your best will look different on different days. Some days, your best might be carefully planned meals and solid numbers. Other days, your best might simply be getting through the day safely. Both count. Another important reminder today is this: You are not alone in this journey. Even when diabetes feels isolating, especially when vision loss adds extra challenges, you are part of a community that understands. There are people who know what it's like to manage diabetes without sight, to rely on touch, sound, routine, memory, and trust. That shared understanding matters. Support doesn't mean having all the answers. It means knowing you don't have to figure everything out by yourself. If today you're struggling, that doesn't mean you're moving backward. Sometimes, it simply means you're human. Progress with diabetes is not about perfection; it's about persistence. It's about learning what works for your body. It's about adjusting, adapting, and continuing forward, even when the road feels uneven. So I encourage you today to give yourself permission to be imperfect. To speak to yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. To recognize that every effort you make matters, even when the results aren't what you hoped for. You are more than your diagnosis. You are more than your numbers. And you are stronger than you think, especially on the days you feel weakest. Keep showing up for yourself. Keep asking questions. Keep learning. And remember: you are walking this path alongside others who understand, who care, and who are cheering you on. You are not alone, and you never have to be. ***** *** Affiliate News ** Life Does Not Have to Stop After Vision Loss Are you a senior experiencing vision loss -- or adjusting to changes in your vision? Know that you are not alone! The Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss (AAVL) is a special-interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) dedicated to helping older adults navigate life with vision loss while staying informed, connected, active, and engaged. We share ways for folks like you to get information about living well and confidently despite vision loss. We connect you with support and services as you discover what you need; advocate at the national, state, and local levels, educating folks about blindness; and work to promote more inclusive accessible communities, while empowering you to advocate for yourself and others. For more information, or to become a member, contact us by email at president@aavl-blind-seniors.org. Or visit our website, https://www.aavl-blind-seniors.org. Life does not have to stop after vision loss. Join us!! ** ACB Families Holiday Membership Drive: Don't Miss the Fun The annual ACB Families membership drive is under way. Get in on the fun and have a chance to win prizes, just in time for the holidays. ACB Families is an ACB special-interest affiliate. We hold two Zoom calls each month. Our business meeting, typically on the first Sunday of the month, gives members a chance to participate in planning virtual activities and events. The call on the third Sunday of the month includes a discussion topic, a chance to share tips on a broad range of subjects, or an informative speaker. Past calls have included stretching the family dollar, tech tips, holiday gift ideas, fun and educational Amazon Alexa skills, how to get organized and de-clutter your home, and much more. ACB Families hosts exciting events at the national ACB conference and convention each year. Our Families traditions include our in-person Bingo, virtual campfire, and hybrid breakfast. No matter who you are or where you live, you can participate in ACB Families. Pay your dues for next year by November 30 and have a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card, a $50 Visa cards, a $75 Visa card, and a grand prize of a $100 Visa card. Winners will be drawn at our Zoom call on Sunday, December 6. Dues are just $10 a year, or $100 for a life membership. Pay by credit card by calling (502) 897-1472, by visiting www.acbfamilies.org and using our online membership form, or by making a check payable to ACB Families and mailing, along with your contact information, to: ACB Families, 148 Vernon Ave., Louisville, KY 40206. Keep up with what's happening in ACB Families. Join our e-mail list by sending a blank message to families+subscribe@acblists.org. Welcome to our ACB family. Carla Ruschival, President ACB Families ** Support BITS Education While You Learn and Have Fun Blind Information Technology Solutions (BITS), an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, is holding a fundraiser to support our education programs. Every flash drive and BITSLinky you buy helps us keep offering classes and learning opportunities to the blind and visually impaired community. Both items are available to everyone, not just BITS members. * BITS Course Flash Drives Each 64GB flash drive holds the complete materials from the free courses BITS has offered, covering topics from Python programming to WordPress, Microsoft Office, and much more. Learn at your own pace, review a topic you want to brush up on, or explore something new. Quantities are limited, so order soon. Price: $50 for BITS members, $100 for non-members. * BITSLinky Yes, it's a Slinky, and the box has the BITS logo on it. It makes a great desk companion, a fidget toy for a long meeting, or a gift for a tech-loving friend. Price: BITS members get their first BITSLinky free, and additional ones are $10 each. Non-members pay $19.95 each. A $20 flat shipping fee applies to every order, including orders with only a free BITSLinky. Orders ship within the United States only. * How to Order Slink over to https://bits-acb.org/bits-slinky-flash-drives-purchase-form/. You don't need an account to order. Every purchase goes toward supporting BITS education programs, so thank you for helping us keep learning accessible. * Join the BITS Community BITS is more than a place to find tech resources. It's a community of over 900 members worldwide who share a passion for technology and accessibility. When you join, you can learn new skills, make new friends, reconnect with old ones, get useful resources, and enjoy member pricing on items like these. Learn more and join at https://bits-acb.org. ***** ** 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. * Monarch 2 Now Available Monarch continues to evolve with new tools designed to support students who are blind or low vision across assessments, mathematics, tactile graphics and digital learning. What's new about it? Exam Mode allows educators to choose which apps and tools students can access during an assessment or exam. The redesigned KeyMath graph viewer provides greater detail and a simpler experience when exploring graphs. MathCAT also improves the translation of mathematical content between print and braille. And the Tactile Viewer now offers additional zoom levels for supported graphics, including SVG files. The new Describe with AI feature can also generate a verbal description of an image. For more information, visit https://www.humanware.com/microsite/monarch/index.php, or call 1-888-723-7273. * A Very Accessible Print Calendar Staying on schedule is important for all of us, regardless of our age. For those who prefer a print calendar, its design must recognize the unique needs of those with low vision. Many of you already know, but for those who don't, there is a calendar out there that meets that need. The EZ2See (R) Weekly Planner/Calendar was designed by a legally blind ACB member to meet his low-vision condition. Its multiple unique features are what make it the most accessible product of its kind. Like all "large print" calendars, it has large print; but that is only the beginning. Add to that its: • Bold, Aspira sans serif font, • Only black ink used throughout, • Each week presented across two full-size facing sheets, • Each daily cell is nearly the size of two 3 by 5 cards, • A black page border reduces the chance of writing off each page. See and read more about it and our other helpful products at EZ2SeeProducts.com, or call 1-800-234-8291. You can also find it on Amazon, Independent Living Aids, Walmart Online or Shopify. * Young People Making a Difference The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, a national award that recognizes inspiring, public-spirited young people, announces its 2026 winners. Founded by bestselling author T.A. Barron, the Barron Prize annually recognizes 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive impact on people and the planet. Fifteen top winners each receive $10,000 to support their service work or higher education. Among the winners are: Alexander Du, age 17, of Pennsylvania, who invented IRIS (Intelligent Responsive Imaging System), a low-cost wearable AI navigation assistant for the blind and visually impaired. Lucas Rojas, age 16, of Florida, who created LINKball: Kickball for ALL, an inclusive kickball league that allows the special needs community to experience the joy of playing sports. The Barron Prize annual application deadline is March 15th. Winners are announced each September. To see the whole list of 2026 winners, visit https://barronprize.org/meet-the-winners/2026-winners/. For more information, visit www.barronprize.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 Jennifer Bazer, West Columbia, SC (1st term, 2030) 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) Cecily Laney Nipper, Covington, GA (1st term, 2028) Rachel Schroeder, Springfield, IL (2nd term, 2030) Koni Sims, Sioux Falls, SD (2nd term, 2030) Melanie Sinohui, Phoenix, AZ (1st term, 2030) Sheila Young, Orlando, FL (1st term, 2030) ** ACB Board of Publications RaLynn McGuire, Chair, San Antonio, TX (1st term, 2027) Lucy Arguijo, Saint Augustine, FL (1st term, 2028) Deborah Armstrong, Milpitas, CA (1st term, 2028) Jeff Bishop, Tucson, AZ (2nd term, 2028) Meka White, Cortlandt Manor, NY (1st term, 2028) ***** ** 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. ###