The ACB Braille Forum Volume LXIV September 2025 No. 2 Published by the American Council of the Blind ***** * Be A Part of ACB The American Council of the Blind (TM) is a membership organization made up of more than 70 state and special-interest affiliates. To join, contact the national office at 1-800-424-8666. * Contribute to Our Work Those much-needed contributions, which are tax-deductible, can be sent to Attn: Treasurer, ACB, 6200 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Suite 155, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. If you wish to remember a relative or friend, the national office has printed cards available for this purpose. Consider including a gift to ACB in your Last Will and Testament. If your wishes are complex, call the national office. To make a contribution to ACB by the Combined Federal Campaign, use this number: 11155. * Check in with ACB For the latest in legislative and governmental news, call the "Washington Connection" 24/7 at 1-800-424-8666, or read it online. Tune in to ACB Media at www.acbmedia.org. Learn more about us at www.acb.org. Follow us on Twitter at @acbnational, or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/acbnational. © 2025 American Council of the Blind Scott Thornhill, Executive Director Sharon Lovering, Editor 225 Reinekers Ln., Suite 660, Alexandria, VA 22314 ***** ** Table of Contents Advocacy in Action, by Claire Stanley 2025 Conference and Convention Wrap-Up, by Janet Dickelman Introducing the Scholarship Class of 2025-26!!, by Denise Colley Introducing This Year's DKM First-Timers and JPMorganChase Leadership Fellows, by Zelda Gebhard The Unexpected Gift, by Annie Chiappetta Thank You from the Auction Committee!, by Leslie Spoone My First Convention, and Then Some, by Jean Mann In Memoriam: Denise Marie Colley, January 24, 1952 -- July 10, 2025 Readers Remember Denise Colley More Than an Extra Point: A Dream Come True, by Lenny McHugh Paratransit: Bridging the Gap for Accessible Transportation, by Anastasia Saridakis Affiliate News Here and There, edited by Cynthia G. Hawkins ACB Officers ACB Board of Directors ACB Board of Publications Accessing Your ACB Braille Forums * How to Submit Articles to the Forum If you wish to submit an article to "The ACB Braille Forum," please send it via email to slovering@acb.org as part of the message, or attached as a Word or ASCII text file. Articles should be between 500 and 800 words. Language should be family friendly. Longer articles may be divided into two or more parts. * Upcoming Forum Themes and Deadlines November-December 2025: theme: wins for winter; deadline: September 22, 2025 If your committee or affiliate would like to claim an issue of the Forum, please contact Sharon Lovering, slovering@acb.org. Are You Moving? Do You Want to Change Your Subscription? Contact Sharon Lovering in the ACB national office, 1-800-424-8666, or via e-mail, slovering@acb.org. Give her the information, and she'll update the database. ***** ** Advocacy in Action by Claire Stanley Did I read that right? I thought I just read something about an advocacy session. There's another one! That is what was going through my mind as I reviewed the session agenda for the 2025 annual convention in Dallas, Texas. Several affiliates, committees and staff put on a variety of advocacy-related sessions. As I put together my personal agenda for the week, each day there was yet another advocacy session to lead, attend or observe. This was a great thing. I was excited to see how motivated and dedicated our members are to advocacy. Our members want to advocate, and they want to learn more about how to advocate and what to be advocating for. We talked about how to advocate through the various branches of the government and how to advocate for ourselves individually or for the blind community as a whole. We talked about advocating at the state level, or when to take it to the federal level. We talked about current legislation and litigation that is going on that will impact the lives of people who are blind or low vision. There was no scarcity when talking about advocating for the blind community. As I reflected on the sessions from our annual convention, I was invigorated by our members. Our members want to advocate. And, as long as we continue to want to advocate, we will keep pushing for greater access. As we always say on our ACB Advocacy Update podcast, keep advocating! ***** ** 2025 Conference and Convention Wrap-Up by Janet Dickelman I hope you all had a wonderful convention experience whether you joined us virtually or were in-person in Dallas. We had 676 attendees joining us in Dallas and 541 who attended virtually, for a total of 1,148 conference registrants. We were thrilled to have the Blinded Veterans Association join us again this year, adding over 160 attendees. You may be wondering how the attendance figures for the 2025 convention compare to previous years. 2025 – Dallas, TX – 1,217; 676 onsite, 541 virtual attendees 2024 – Jacksonville, FL – 1,182; 651 onsite attendees, 531 virtual attendees 2023 – Schaumburg, IL – 1,208; 579 onsite, 629 virtual 2022 – Omaha, NE – 1,185; 449 onsite, 736 virtual 2021 – Virtual – 1,531 2020 – Virtual – 1,573 2019 – Rochester, NY – 863 2018 – St. Louis – 1,020 2017 – Reno – 780 2016 – Minneapolis – 839 As always, it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of so many who made the convention a success! * Convention Committee Each of you handle your duties independently and efficiently; you make my life so much easier! Our committee is made up of volunteers and you each work so hard to ensure that our conference and convention runs smoothly. Margarine Beaman, who so ably handles our accessibility at the hotel as well as meeting everyone as they arrive and depart from the airport, you are amazing! When we arrive at the hotel, everything is labeled and contrast tape is up, and all this is done by our own Energizer bunny! Speaking of volunteers, Sally Benjamin spends hours recruiting volunteers prior to the convention and then is always on call to greet our volunteers, provide them with orientation and make sure they have the information they need to assist everyone at the hotel! Sally always worries that we don't have enough volunteers, but the ones we had this year were wonderful! What a great exhibit hall we had with Michael Smitherman at the helm! We had 87 exhibit booths -- the most we've had since 2003! From working with the exhibitors, setting up the exhibitor open house, and cataloging the recordings for the exhibitor loop, this is a tremendous effort. Keep in mind both will be available as podcasts later this month. Once again Rhonda Trott outdid herself in arranging our excellent lineup of tours. From a lake cruise to the George Bush Museum, there was something for everyone! Did you enjoy customizing your caramel apple at Rocky Mountain Candy and sitting in a rocking chair at Circle R Ranch? Cecily Nipper presided over the information desk and was responsible for creating and sending out all the Zoom links to our virtual presenters and determining which sessions qualified for continuing education credits. Our newest member, Cachet Wells, coordinated our blood drive with Carter Blood Care and ran around the hotel providing CEU codes for our sessions. Our countless Zoom hosts and streamers kept things going remotely. Rick Morin and his cadre handled our A/V needs. This is a herculean effort keeping the ballroom, hybrid rooms, and other session rooms up and running! The host committee, chaired by Ted Harper and comprised of Hilda, Sheila, Jan, Neva, Linda, Ana, Rick, Tim and Mary, thank you so much for all your help and dedication as the Dallas host committee. You did a great job with the welcome party, procuring local exhibitors, and getting numerous items for the goodie bags. Our wonderful staff does so much to make the convention a success. The Minneapolis staff comprised of Nancy Becker, Nancy Christine Feela, Chris Sawyer, Sayuree Naik and Yuqing Xia, who have been doing all things convention for months along with their other duties! Hannah Park was busy sending out convention communications to in-person and virtual attendees. Thanks to Scott and Dan for all their advice, and to Deb Lewis for her leadership. The three of you support the convention in so many ways, thank you for trusting me with the role of convention coordinator. Thank you to the convention steering committee, the convention program committee (who plans our general session agenda), and the convention planning committee (comprised of the convention planner from each ACB committee and special-interest affiliate). Plus, everyone else who played a part in the convention, please know although you aren't acknowledged in this article, you were a huge help! Thanks to all of you for your convention feedback and suggestions. They will definitely be considered. Now our thoughts turn to Saint Louis, Missouri and the 2026 convention at the Hyatt Arch located at 315 Chestnut Street; conference and convention dates are Friday, July 24 through Friday, July 31, 2026. Hotel information and travel details to Saint Louis will be provided in the October ACB Braille Forum. * Staying in Touch The conference and convention announce list will be filled with convention-related information. If you received updates for the 2025 convention, you do not need to re-subscribe to the list. To subscribe to the list, send a blank e-mail to acbconvention+subscribe@acblists.org. For any convention-related questions, please contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, (651) 428-5059 or via e-mail, janet.dickelman@gmail.com. ***** ** Introducing the Scholarship Class of 2025-26!! by Denise Colley The American Council of the Blind's Scholarship Program was established in 1982. ACB and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) have partnered to offer educational scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 for legally blind students attending a technical college or who are an entering freshman, undergraduate, or a graduate student. This program awards students with scholarships to help with post-secondary education financial needs such as tuition, fees, room and board and other additional costs associated with adaptive technology. Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship recipients! Wasseem Aljanazreh is from Slippery Rock County, Pa., and will be attending Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania. He will be earning a master's degree in special education. He is receiving the William G. Corey/Drishti Foundation Scholarship. He wants to expand his skills in education, disability advocacy, and management, and plans to be a consultant. He volunteers to help empower both children and women. He likes to do training sessions and workshops. He and his wife enjoy watching documentaries. Chrys Buckley is in a graduate program at Portland State University located in Portland, Ore. She is from Portland and is receiving the Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarship. She wishes to earn a master's degree in book publishing. She wants to work with various publishing aspects: editing, marketing, and getting a book published. She has written a book of personal essays which will be coming out in March 2026. She enjoys reading, writing, and walking/hiking. She is learning to play guitar and keyboard. Andrew DeAvila is from Del Valle, Texas and is being awarded the Rudolph Dillman/Charles Dillman Scholarship. He is attending the University of Texas in Austin, working toward a Ph.D. degree in Leadership in Special Education. He would like to be a director, or teach at the collegiate level. He is working full-time as an assistive technology coordinator. He has two toddler daughters and enjoys watching their sports and spending time with them. He enjoys movies with audio description, and when there is time, he does cross-fit training. The Ross N. Pangere Foundation for the Visually Impaired Scholarship is awarded to Amelia Dusenbury. She is from Boise, Idaho and will attend Boise State University. She is working to earn her Ph.D. Her major is mathematics, with a computing emphasis in computer science. She is finishing her master's thesis titled "Garousalicir-kashaev state-integral avariant." When she has some personal time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, gardening, and is a reader. Andrew Gillespie is being awarded the Norma Schecter/Duane Buckley Scholarship. He is from Cincinnati, Ohio. He will be an entering freshman at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. He plans to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science. Andrew experienced a major hearing loss during high school and plans to consider obtaining a guide dog. He was extremely surprised when he received the Student Class Computer Science Award at graduation. He enjoys spending time outside, but his favorite downtime activity is building complicated computers. Brock Kitterman is receiving the Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarship and is from Huntingdon, Tenn. He is a junior at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. His major is computer science, and he will be earning two minors in mathematics and philosophy. He wishes to work in software engineering. He played adaptive hockey in high school and had the opportunity to meet the Pittsburgh Penguins. Brock doesn't slow down for a moment; in his personal time he enjoys computer games and doing programming. Noor Khraisat is from Pittsburgh, Pa. Noor is receiving the Floyd Qualls Memorial Scholarship. She is an entering freshman, attending the University of Pittsburgh, and will be pursuing an undergraduate degree double majoring in political science and history on a pre-law track. Over the past five years, she has gained valuable professional experience through an unpaid internship with Nedal Gyro, a popular Greek food truck and restaurant in Pittsburgh, where she has been the social media and Money Manager. She is a Youth Mentor and Leader with the Youth Alliance for Networking and Empowerment, where she leads initiatives aimed at empowering Muslim youth. She wants to eventually go into immigration law or something with disability rights and advocacy. Robert Lamm is from Fort Collins, Colo., and will be attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. He is receiving the Kellie Cannon/Paul and Ellen Ruckes Scholarship. He is majoring in environmental engineering. He is completing an internship this summer working with water resources. He enjoys these outdoor sports: disk golfing, slack lining, and occasionally hiking. Aubree Lautenschuetz hails from Plattsburgh, N.Y. She is receiving the Caesar Eghtesadi Scholarship and will be an entering freshman at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her major is biomedical engineering, and she stated she may continue her journey to a master's at the same university. She would like to research and work with adapted equipment and prosthetics. She enjoys math and science. Her personal time is spent gardening and spending time with her pet dog. Riley Letterman, from Birch Run, Mich., is receiving the R.I. Gillette/Gladys C. Anderson/Karen D. Carsel Memorial Scholarship. Riley will be an entering freshman at Western Michigan University, located in Kalamazoo, Mich., majoring in music therapy. She would like to work with individuals with disabilities or seniors experiencing dementia. She graduated 2nd in her class. She received the National Chorale Award and performed in Solo Ensemble all 4 years of high school. She loves to sing, but also plays the guitar, ukulele, and a little piano. She is also a dancer of tap, ballet and jazz. A favorite hobby is reading and spending time with her yellow lab, Ella. Madeline (Maddy) Major, from Plymouth, Minn., is receiving the Rudolph Dillman/Charles Dillman Scholarship. She will be an entering freshman at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She will be completing a double major in sociology and technical writing and communication. Maddy is a dancer and performs as a ballet, tap, jazz or lyrical dancer. She was part of her Spanish Honor Society. When she has time, she enjoys watching TV and reading. Noah Mayer is being awarded the Eunice Fiorito/Charles Dillman Scholarship. He is from Salem, Ore., and will pursue a degree in visual impairment -- special education at Northern Illinois University in De Kalb, Ill. He is a camp counselor at the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes. He is a violinist and has been in his high school orchestra. He was a part of the Northwest Honor Orchestra. Luke McGraw is from Bourne, Texas. He is receiving the Arnold Sadler/Rudolph Dillman Scholarship and will begin his college work at Sound Mine Institute in Boulder, Colorado. He will be pursuing a graduate degree in Natural Medicine Facilitation. His plans are to open his own retreat center. Luke has been traveling with his wife for the past three years as an environmental educator. In his down time he is active in his local church and enjoys playing a variety of musical instruments. He teaches yoga, likes to rock climb, and enjoys reading. John Mobley IV, from Jefferson, Iowa, is receiving the Ross N. Pangere Foundation for the Visually Impaired Scholarship. He is attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and is in a Ph.D. program. He is majoring in engineering education research with a graduate certificate in Science, Technology, and Public Policy (Nuclear). He would like to be a professor or find a job working with policy. His dissertation will take three years. This summer he is working in Washington, D.C. for the Neuro Energy Institute. He was part of a group of about 30 people from around the world who spent time in Japan at Fukushima Power Plants in 2023. They were part of a workshop with Tokyo Institute of Tech. This is the location where 3 reactors exploded. Much of the area has been cleaned, but there is still work to do. When he has a few moments to wind down, he enjoys walking and bike riding. He likes to ride the Border-to-Border trail around Ann Arbor, Mich. Kertan (Kit) Rajtal is receiving the Ross N. Pangere Foundation for the Visually Impaired Scholarship. She is from Fort Worth, Texas. She will be an entering freshman at the University of Texas-Austin this fall, majoring in business. She received the Creative Inservice Award as a senior. She likes to volunteer and help people. She likes to teach people and has been helping individuals complete their tax forms. She loves to sit down to play piano, but her favorite activity is playing chess. She has been playing since she was a young girl and loves the challenge. Frank Ritter is receiving the John Hebner Scholarship. To win this scholarship, a student must be working full-time and taking sufficient courses. Frank is from Houston, Texas. He is attending the University of Houston-Clear Lake located in Houston. He will be earning a Ph.D. in educational leadership. He wants to work with teachers to work with student behavior and restorative practices in the classroom. He is a runner and enjoys performing with his steel drums. He performs for many non-profit organizations, but at Christmas he plays as Santa Claus, playing for children's groups. We were lucky to hear him play during our convention. Avery Sallean, from Cary, N.C., is receiving the Dr. Bradley Burson/Paul and Ellen Ruckes Scholarship. She is attending the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. Her major is neuroscience, and she is minoring in chemistry. After completing her bachelor's degree, she wants to attend graduate school and is in the process of applying. She was awarded a grant to work at a research lab this summer. She is writing for a science magazine, one that is a campus publication. When she is not in class or completing labs, she enjoys reading, baking and has started a book club on campus. Ella Shrout, an entering freshman, will be attending Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She is receiving the American Council of the Blind of Oregon Scholarship. She is from Portland, Ore., and plans to major in biology. She is a pre-med student and has explored her options for success. She graduated third in her high school class. She competed in swimming in state championships, taking 2nd and 3rd places. She has a job working in a sporting goods store and likes to lead worship in her church. Charli Strawn is from Glencoe, Ala. She will be attending the University of Alabama-Auburn in Auburn, Ala. She is working toward double majoring in accounting and law and justice. She has participated in the Model United Nations where people work together on a given topic. She went to Charlotte, N.C. this year to attend the conference. She has Soldier, her guide dog. Charli is a very active young leader on campus, and this is her second scholarship. She enjoys running and loves to read. In spite of all her academic reading, she has finished 67 books thus far this year. Quinn Wagner will be attending Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. this fall. She is from Berks County, Pennsylvania and is in a Ph.D. program, double majoring in environmental engineering and chemical engineering. Her focus is on sustainable energy. She plans to be a professor and complete research. She teaches horseback riding to all ages and abilities. She spends time with her potbellied pigs when she has a few minutes. ***** ** Introducing This Year's DKM First-Timers and JPMorganChase Leadership Fellows by Zelda Gebhard The Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) Fund Committee is honored to present the Class of 2025 DKM First-Timers and Class of 2025 ACB JPMorganChase Leadership Fellows! Each of the following recipients has met all qualifying requirements for the award they have been chosen to receive. * Class of 2025 Durward K. McDaniel First-Timers Ava Carruth of Houston, Texas is our DKM First-Timer representing the West. She is a retired Vision Rehabilitation Therapist who has been legally blind for 34 years. She is an active member of the Houston Council of the Blind and the Visually Impaired Advocates-Houston, where she holds various leadership roles, including advocacy chair and meeting moderator. Ava has also served as the secretary and vice president of fundraising for the Houston Council of the Blind. In addition to her volunteer work, she has a diverse background in education, earning multiple master's degrees in rehabilitation counseling and teaching from Western Michigan University, along with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Houston. Ava is passionate about technology and facilitates the iBUG Android Insight call. She is also involved in her church, organizing events and providing technology assistance to those in need. Courtney Smith of Talladega, Ala. is our DKM First-Timer representing the East. She is a passionate advocate for the blind community and a dedicated member of the American Council of the Blind since June 2020. Originally from Mississippi, she relocated to Talladega, Ala. in 2023. She was elected secretary of her local chapter in December 2023. She is a graduate of Tishomingo County High School and Northeast Mississippi Community College. Courtney has a rich professional background, including roles in clerical support for the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Beyond her professional career, she has volunteered extensively, particularly in Awana Ministries and her local church. Courtney was a founder of ACB Crafters, teaching over 100 craft classes and facilitating numerous calls. She also serves on the ACB Community Support Committee, working to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.   * Class of 2025 ACB JPMorganChase Leadership Fellows Alicia Eidson of Winter Springs, Fla. holds degrees in Human Services, Human Development, and Marriage and Family Therapy, with a career spanning counseling, teaching, and leadership. She served as Clinical Director of Renewing Hearts, Inc., and later taught psychology and sociology at Florida universities. Now retired from counseling, Alicia is the Executive Director of Ocean Waves Radio, supporting blind and visually impaired individuals in radio production. A long-time volunteer, she leads community and church groups, organizes neighborhood events, and serves as second vice president of the Greater Orlando Council of the Blind. She's active in ACB's Diabetics in Action and in national advocacy efforts. Passionate about music and mentorship, Alicia finds joy and peace by the ocean. Blind for 40 years, she continues to lead with compassion, creativity, and a deep commitment to service. Sara Freeman Smith of Houston, Texas is a disability advocate, career navigator, author, and speaker who has thrived despite living with progressive vision loss since 2005. With a strong background in HR leadership, she launched her own consulting and publishing company in 2023, publishing the third edition of her book, "Turning Stones into Gems." A passionate advocate for disability inclusion, Sara volunteers with numerous organizations, including the Houston Council of the Blind and ACB. She has earned multiple awards, including ACB-Texas Member of the Year 2024. Sara shares her message of empowerment through podcasts, seminars, and workshops, inspiring others to overcome obstacles. She holds degrees from the University of Southern California and University of Phoenix. She remains dedicated to promoting accessibility, employment opportunities, and personal growth for the visually impaired. Sara was the DKM First-Timer from the West in 2020. Jason Miller of Philadelphia, Pa. is a dedicated professional and founder of Paschall Access Solutions, a business that supports blind individuals through technology training, career development, advocacy, and education. A proud graduate of the National Statler Center, where he was valedictorian, Jason previously worked as a fully blind tele-recruiter for the American Red Cross and operated Big Jay's Café at the Scranton State Office Building. Beyond his professional work, Jason is an audio production engineer, audio gamer, devoted husband, grandfather of five, and passionate Christian. He actively mentors others, serves on the SEPTA advisory board, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind. Jason also co-leads a nonprofit supporting domestic abuse survivors. Jason was the DKM First-Timer from the East in 2024. Guillermo Robles of Culver City, Calif. is a long-time advocate and leader in the blind community, having been a member of the California Council of the Blind (CCB) since 1994. He currently serves as the organization's first vice president and has held numerous roles including board member, membership chair, and convention chair. Professionally, Guillermo works as a Customer Service Representative for the Social Security Administration. He brings extensive experience from both state and federal systems, enhancing his advocacy for disability-related services. Guillermo also sings with the Angel City Chorale, volunteers with youth organizations, and enjoys reading psychological thrillers and cooking. He is committed to lifelong learning and inclusive leadership, having helped launch Inclusive Diversity of California and previously served as president of Blind Pride International (BPI). Guillermo was the DKM First-Timer from the West in 2013. Sabastian Warren of Trenton, N.J. is a passionate advocate for the blind and low vision community. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 16, his journey has been marked by resilience and growth. After losing his vision and job as a security guard, a chance opportunity led him to work for a blind vendor, which opened the door to the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Sabastian now serves as president of the New Jersey Council of the Blind (NJCB) and sits on the board of the Mercer County Association of the Blind. A dedicated leader, he has spearheaded a variety of initiatives, including reviving the New Jersey Council's state convention and securing policy changes for accessibility at the DMV. Sabastian is also involved with the Harambe Alliance of the Blind and enjoys music, audiobooks, and time with his goddaughter. ***** ** The Unexpected Gift by Annie Chiappetta The Friends in Art "Poems of Protest, Resistance and Empowerment" presentation, which took place on June 28 via Zoom, did not disappoint. As the facilitator and coordinator, it felt relevant offering this topic in this time of uncertainty. It seemed the presentation necessitated thoughtful content and a respectful conversation, and poetry would be the finest medium of expression to achieve this goal. What I did not expect was the deep level of appreciation and connectedness from those who participated. I want to acknowledge the three individuals who recited their chosen poem: authors Nell Anthony, Lisa Busch and Peter Altschul. I believe these people caught the magic and sprinkled it into the hearts and minds of listeners. It resonated not only with me but also with the participants, inspiring them to dig deeper, to participate in a discourse related to what we believe and the current state of issues taking place in the here and now. Modern protest poems continue the tradition of using verse to challenge injustice, raise awareness, and inspire activism. Let's keep our voices and words active, engaged and courageous. FIA is planning a second protest poetry presentation, and we'd love to hear your suggestions. Email president@friendsinart.org. "Politics can be the graveyard of the poet. And only poetry can be his resurrection." -- Langston Hughes (1964) ***** ** Thank You from the Auction Committee! The auction committee would like to say, "Thank You!" Our ACB Family came together to raise over $40,000. We appreciate all of the wonderful donations from affiliates, vendors, members and friends of ACB. There were 215 items featured, from homemade goodies to vacations, jewelry, technology and crafts. Once again, thanks for making this the most successful auction ever. Now, it's time to get ready for the ACB Media Holiday Auction. The Holiday Auction will be held on Sunday, November 30 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern. There will be a Sneak a Peek Appetizer Auction on Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29. The deadline for auction item descriptions is Monday, October 6 with pictures. We look forward to everyone participating in the ACB Media Holiday Auction this year. Let's celebrate ACB and the holidays in style! If you have any questions, please reach out to Leslie Spoone at lesliespoone@cfl.rr.com or call (407) 678-4163. Happy bidding! -- Leslie Spoone ***** ** My First Convention, and Then Some by Jean Mann While memories of our latest ACB conference and convention are still fresh in our minds, I've been thinking about conventions past. I've attended 36 in person and several virtual and hybrid ones. My very first ACB convention was in 1977. It was held in Miami Beach, Fla. in a hotel just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. Rooms were $19 a night. I don't think I attended any meetings that year. It was my first "adult" vacation; no parents, camp counselors or chaperones. Just me and seven of my friends from Albany, N.Y. I was 23 years old. My friends had attended conventions before, and they introduced me to other people. I found myself hanging out with a group of Floridians. I spent the first couple days at the pool, until I got so sunburned it hurt to wear clothes. I'm paying for that now; I've had several bouts of basal cell skin cancer. I know I went to what was the exhibit hall, a small room with a few tables, nothing like the large exhibit halls of today. I spent evenings at the pool, where somebody learned what we all liked to drink and provided us with liquid refreshment every night. Afterwards we'd go in the ocean and jump the waves, returning to our rooms in the wee hours of the morning. One evening activity I specifically remember was an auction put on by RSVA. My love of bidding at auctions may have started that night, or maybe it was whatever I was drinking! I bid on a little container of fudge, chocolate-covered cherries (I don't even like them), and a little transistor radio in the shape of a ladybug. The wings went up when you turned up the volume. Unfortunately I couldn't get any stations to come in, and the wings broke off the next day! For several years I spent conventions the same way. I went on tours, spent time checking out exhibits, and attending every party I could find -- and there were lots of them. Conventions were my vacations, and I never wanted to get involved in the business or politics of ACB. There were no mentoring or leadership programs in those days, but somehow through all my socializing and the blind grapevine, people found out that I was becoming an active member in my local chapter and on the state level, and had held leadership positions in our state blind bowling tournament association. They (never found out exactly who "they" were) decided it was time I got more involved in ACB. So at 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning at the 1985 convention in Las Vegas, my phone rang. It was a member of VIDPI, the Visually Impaired Data Processors International affiliate, now known as BITS. I was a computer programmer and had joined that affiliate but wasn't a very active member. I was asked if I'd run for secretary. Not being a morning person, and having played the slot machines until very late the night before, I first said no way, but then decided it would be a challenge, so I accepted. For the next two days the group wined and dined me and played those slot machines with me until the election, which I won, although I'm not sure anybody ran against me! Thus began my involvement in ACB. The next year, ACB of New York needed somebody to act as our delegate. I was the only person going who'd attended conventions before, so the job fell to me, which meant I had to start attending meetings. I got so caught up in resolutions that when I got home, I asked if I could serve on that committee. What was I thinking! There were no vacancies there, but there was an opening on the constitution and bylaws committee, so I ended up serving there. My task was keeping track of the proposed amendments and bylaws changes and reading them on the floor, my first national exposure. The following year, the person who was supposed to chair the committee started a new job just before convention, so I took her place and ended up chairing that committee for several years. That summer, several of my mentors encouraged me to run for an open board position. I was still secretary of VIDPI, president of my local chapter, on the board of my state affiliate, involved in several activities outside of ACB and working full-time. But I ran, and to my great surprise and delight, I won. I was 34 years old, one of the younger board members. I served as a director for eight years. It was probably easier being on the board then than it is now. We had pre- and post-convention board meetings, another one in the fall, and one in the winter. It meant traveling three times a year, but it helped with the frequent flyer miles! There was the occasional phone conference call, but long-distance calls cost money in those days; no cell phones. No email either, so all correspondence was done through the mail. While on the Board, and for several years thereafter, I ran what we called the Convention Office, where we handled much of what the Information Desk does today. I did whatever the convention coordinator needed me to do. Lots of people either stopped in or called at some point during the week, so I was in touch with almost everybody. Occasionally organizations of and for the blind around the world invited each other to visit. While I was on the Board, I was asked to be part of a group of four to spend a week in Germany. Not sure how I got selected for that honor, but I gladly accepted and had a wonderful time. Over the years, I've served in every office in my state affiliate except treasurer at least once. On the national level, I served on the convention committee for 11 years, I chaired and still serve on the Credentials Committee; I co-chair the MMS (Monthly Monetary Support) Committee and serve on the Resource Development Committee, and I'm currently on the ACB Awards Committee. I even served on that Resolutions Committee for one year, but that was in the days when meetings were held in the wee hours of the morning, but I was in my fifties by then, and found I didn't have the energy I had in my younger days! I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I hadn't answered the phone that long-ago Sunday morning, or if I hadn't changed my mind and run for that secretarial position. I wonder if the ACB bug would have bitten me at some other time. Once it bites you, it stays in your blood. And while I'm now a member of the older generation, I suspect I, or somebody, will find a way to keep me involved for more years to come. ***** ** In Memoriam: Denise Marie Colley January 24, 1952 -- July 10, 2025 (Editor's Note: Thanks to Deb Cook Lewis for her assistance with this tribute.) Denise Marie Colley, a beloved wife, sister, stepmother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Spokane, Wash., and throughout her life made homes in Spokane and Lacey, Wash. and later Richmond, Texas, always bringing warmth, faith, and a deep sense of community wherever she went. A proud graduate of North Central High School in 1970, Denise continued her education at Whitworth College, earning a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1974. Her academic background fueled a lifelong commitment to advocacy and service, especially within the blind and visually impaired community. She was employed as the ADA Technical Assistance Coordinator for the Washington Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment. Denise married the love of her life, Berl Colley, on October 4, 1980, in Washington. Their marriage was a beautiful partnership built on love, faith, and mutual respect. Denise cherished her family deeply and was a devoted stepmother to Crystal Dull, Starla Colley, and Tena Colley. She was also blessed with numerous grandchildren who brought great joy to her life. Her service to ACB and its affiliates, along with that of her husband Berl Colley, spanned several decades. She is the past president of Washington Council of the Blind, was president of the Braille Revival League at her passing, and was just completing her third and final term as ACB secretary, having also served as an ACB board member and chair of ACB's Board of Publications. Denise believed in the future of the organization, and served as chair of the ACB scholarship committee at both the state and national levels. She balanced this with her love of past traditions by also serving on the history committee at both the state and national levels. Denise's faith in the Lord was unwavering. She was an active participant in church life, always quick to lend her voice, her time, and her heart to those around her. She was known for her independence, compassion, and the rich network of friendships she cultivated over the years. A woman of many talents and interests, Denise was known for her love of travel, her passion for sports, and her beautiful singing voice, often shared with others through her involvement in church choirs. In her later years, she found joy in connecting with others as a radio host in her retirement community, always eager to brighten someone's day with her words. Denise loved to sing. There are stories of her first experience singing karaoke while on a cruise. And she most definitely loved to take cruises! She also collected dolls, and I have some fun memories of helping her ship them home after some amazing auction purchases. Denise Colley passed away on July 10, but her legacy is woven deeply into the fabric of every community she touched -- ACB, its affiliates, her church family, her physical family, and her neighborhood. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy, her infectious joy for life, and her boundless compassion made her a pillar of strength and a source of comfort for so many of us. Denise's leadership was marked by vision and inclusion, always striving to uplift others while never losing sight of the traditions that grounded her. Her laughter, her generosity, and her warm presence will be dearly missed but never forgotten. In honoring Denise, we celebrate a life dedicated to service, friendship, and the passionate belief that together, we can shape a brighter, more inclusive future. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and grace will live on in all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her step-daughters, Crystal Dull, Starla Colley, and Tena Colley; her grandchildren; her sister, Katie Cargill; and her brothers, Patrick and Scott Garrity. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Berl Colley, parents, Wayne and Virginia Garrity, and her brothers, Tim, David, and Daniel Garrity. A memorial service was held at Grace Community Bible Church in Richmond, Tex. on July 19th; an online celebration of life was held August 2nd. The family asks that any donations be made to the American Council of the Blind, 6200 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Suite 155, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430. * Caption: Denise Colley, sporting a black dress with a pinkish-orange floral print, a two-layer white beaded necklace, and matching earrings, smiles as she enjoys the 2022 convention banquet. (Photo by Dennis Becker.) ** Readers Remember Denise Colley Denise was Chair of the BOP when I joined as a member in 2013, and she handed me the reins in 2016. In my opinion, she was one of the kindest, most humble, caring people within ACB with whom I've ever had the chance to collaborate and work. She was one of those people who always took the time to listen and empathize, and she always seemed to be giving me, or anyone with whom she was interacting, the sense that they were the most important person in the world. She had an understated but smart sense of humor, and she always made any room a little brighter, a little kinder, and a more civil and accepting place for everyone. I will miss her. -- Ron Brooks Sad news, indeed. Denise Colley and her husband Berl were devoted advocates for audio description. I have lovely memories of providing description for them while on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines adventure. Denise had such a sweet singing voice that I cajoled her into performing at a karaoke event -- I provided "description" of lyrics as they appeared on the karaoke monitor via a steno-mask microphone/transmitter and a receiver/earbud in Denise's ear. She won the karaoke event! Berl performed a comic monologue, and great fun was had by all in attendance!! Both Berl and Denise are missed greatly. -- Joel Snyder She was a widow and welcomed me here when I moved to Olympia five years ago. She was involved in braille, and legislative activities. She will be missed. -- Lynne Koral I'm shocked! I was aware Denise wasn't at convention, but I didn't know how serious her illness was. She was a very gracious person. My heart and prayers go out to her family. -- Donna Seliger ***** ** More Than An Extra Point: A Dream Come True by Lenny McHugh Jake Olson was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare cancer of the retina. His left eye was removed when he was 10 months old and the other eye when he was 12. His response was, "OK, I don't have to worry about going blind anymore, because I am blind." Jake's passion was football. In high school, he knew he couldn't play linebacker or tight end, but he could be the long snapper, and he learned to do that. In his junior and senior years of high school, Jake earned a starting role on the varsity football team as the long snapper, responsible for snapping the ball to the holder for extra points and field goals. He was a huge fan of the University of Southern California Trojans and loved going to their games. So, when it came time to attend college, there was only one choice. He enrolled at USC, and was thrilled when he was accepted. He was even more thrilled when he received a phone call from the USC coach inviting him to a team meeting. He was introduced to all the players and was told that he was to be on the team. He couldn't believe it. He was a USC Trojan. He had his own locker. He lifted weights and attended practices and meetings just like everyone else. During those field practices, Jake developed special communication with the team holder, Wyatt Schmidt. Engaging his other senses for things like the feel of the ball and the cadence of his teammate's voice, he was able to build muscle memory through practice and repetition. But he didn't want to just be on the team and on the sideline; he wanted to actually play in a game. And then it happened. On Sept. 2, 2017, in a game between USC and Western Michigan, with just 3 minutes and 13 seconds to go in the fourth quarter, USC intercepted a pass for a touchdown and took a solid 48 to 31 lead. A few of the 61,000 fans began heading toward the exit, but those who remained saw something truly special. Head Coach Clay Helton shouted for his backup deep snapper sophomore to take the field and snap the ball for the extra point. It was his red-shirted blind snapper, Jake Olson. Jake trotted on to the field and took his position. The official spotted the ball, put his hand on Jake's back and then whistled for the play to begin. Jake spiraled a perfect snap, the ball was placed and the kick was good. Jake was mobbed by his teammates. In the history of college football, the game was just one of thousands. The moment, however, for the nearly 60,000 fans still watching and for Jake, it was much more than an extra point. For him, it was his dream come true. This is a story about courage and character and grit and determination. It's also about pursuing our dreams. Happiness has a way of cascading forth when humanity is unselfish enough to help others achieve their dreams. I hope you have been lucky enough to have many of your dreams come true. If so, perhaps it's time for you to think about how you may help others make their dreams come true as well. ***** ** Paratransit: Bridging The Gap for Accessible Transportation by Anastasia Saridakis (Author's note: This article is written from one author's perspective using paratransit experiences in the author's home state. Your experiences may vary.) Paratransit is a door-to-door service used by people who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Paratransit programs are "origin to destination" services for people with disabilities, rather than being limited by fixed-route public transportation. * Eligibility Riders are eligible for these services starting from as young as age 16 to 18, depending on the state. While paratransit services are provided in every state, the areas serviced are limited within a radius of the paratransit headquarters for each location. For details and to see eligibility in your state, refer to the links at the end of this article. * Applying for Paratransit Click on the paratransit site link for your area of residency and download the application. Fill out the application, including the signature of the doctor who can speak to your disability or health condition. The application may be mailed, faxed, or emailed. It may require a few weeks for processing. Once the application is processed, the paratransit service will arrange free transportation to and from an appointment at their headquarters for the individual to be evaluated. This includes an interview where basic questions are asked. The disability of the client is evaluated to ensure the safety of the client when exiting and entering the vehicle. The client will receive an ID card in the mail with their name, photo, name of the company, and an ID number. The client will be asked their ID number every time a trip is initiated. * Scheduling a Trip Trips must be scheduled by the day before traveling. There are two ways to schedule a trip: by phone or online. On the website for the paratransit service in your area, there is a phone number to call or an online reservation to schedule a trip. The dispatcher will ask if the client is using any mobility aids (e.g., guide dog, cane, wheelchair). The client may also take a companion or a PCA (Personal Care Attendant) who may travel for free. The PCA must have the same pickup and drop-off locations as the client. The client will also be asked if the time given is the pickup time or the destination time. If it is a destination time, the dispatcher will give a pickup window based on the distance traveled (e.g., if the destination time is 3 p.m., the window may be 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.). When making the call, be prepared to answer these questions, along with both the pickup address and the address of the destination. The dispatcher may ask the client what entrance they will be picked up from. If an address is used frequently (e.g., a client's home), it will remain in the system. The dispatcher may ask if this is the address to be used. If the address is not in the area the paratransit company services, the dispatcher will inform the client that the trip cannot be scheduled. The dispatcher will ask if this is a one-way trip or a round trip. If it is a round trip, the dispatcher will plan the trip back on the same call. The dispatcher will give a choice of a pickup time or a destination time for the return trip. Then the dispatcher will give the client a choice of two times available. Each time given is in the middle of a half-hour window. For example, if the time is 2 p.m., the window will be 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Once the client chooses a time, the dispatcher will read the details of the trip back to the client including the price. The client may also schedule a subscription trip (e.g., transportation to work), where paratransit picks up the client daily using the same window. Each trip may cost between $2 and $6 each way. These rates may vary based on geography and time of travel. Payments can be made in one of three ways. Some paratransit companies accept cash that can be given directly to the driver. When paying, the service requests the exact change. The second option is EZ pay, where an account is created to pay for trips using a credit or debit card. Some paratransit companies provide tickets that a client can purchase by the book, which may be a third option. * Canceling a Trip If a client needs to cancel a trip, the client can do so online or by phone. This needs to be done two hours before the start of the window. For example, if the window is 2:00 - 2:30 p.m., the trip must be canceled by noon. The client will be asked for one of a few reasons for the cancelation. * Arrival When the ride arrives, the driver will call the client to announce the arrival. They will identify themselves as being from the paratransit service. They will come to the door and ask to see the client's ID card. The driver will then assist the client in boarding the vehicle. The driver will ask if the client needs assistance with the seatbelt. The driver may require a signature to verify the time of arrival. The driver might ask if the client can give directions. If the answer is "No," the driver has a GPS to follow. Paratransit is a rideshare service. There might be other passengers the driver picks up on the way to the destination. The client can ask if there is anyone else the driver is picking up or if the client is going directly to the destination. When the destination is reached, the driver will announce the arrival. The driver will inform the client when it is safe to exit the vehicle, after the driver places an orange cone behind the vehicle. The driver will assist the client out of the vehicle and escort the client to the door of the destination. It is helpful to know that although the ID card has a picture of the client, the driver doesn't have access to the picture. When scheduling a pickup, the client can provide the name of the business or a description of the home, in addition to the address. Once the driver arrives within the times given, the driver will wait 5 minutes for the client. It is the client's responsibility to be ready to leave during their entire 30-minute window. If the client is not ready to leave when the ride arrives, or the driver cannot find the client, the driver will leave, and the client is marked as a "no-show." If the client is a "no-show" after a few times, the client may be suspended from the service temporarily. If the paratransit ride is a "no-show" within the window, the client is owed a complimentary trip of the same value. Paratransit provides you the ability to make travel plans independently and the security knowing you will safely arrive at your destination. Below is a partial list of paratransit services by state alphabetically. Alabama: https://maxtransit.org/paratransit/ Alaska: https://www.muni.org/Departments/transit/AnchorRides Arizona: https://www.valleymetro.org/accessibility/ada-paratransit Arkansas: https://www.stateregstoday.com/living/public-transportation/paratransit-services-in-arkansas#google_vignette California: - Sacramento: https://www.sacrt.com/sacrt-go-paratransit-service/ - Southern California: https://accessla.org/other_mobility_resources/other_mobility_resourcessocala.html Colorado: https://viacolorado.org/services/via-paratransit/ Connecticut: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/ctada/paratransit-service?language=en_US Delaware: https://www.dartfirststate.com/RiderInfo/Paratransit/ Florida: https://www.fdot.gov/ctd/ctd-home Georgia: https://www.columbusga.gov/metra/ADA-Paratransit Hawaii: https://www.heleonbus.hawaiicounty.gov/programs/hele-on-kako-o-paratransit-services Idaho: https://get.gogograndparent.com/rides Illinois: https://www.pacebus.com/ada Indiana: https://www.richmondindiana.gov/resources/ada-transit-paratransit-resources Iowa: https://www.ridedart.com/services/paratransit Kansas: https://ridekc.org/mobility-services Kentucky: https://www.ridetarc.org/getting-around/tarc3/ Louisiana: https://www.norta.com/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/transit-accessibility/paratransit-service Maine: https://www.gpmetro.org/ada-complementary-paratransit/ Maryland: - Maryland/Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C.: https://metroaccess.wmata.com/#/auth/signinregister - Baltimore area: https://mdod.maryland.gov/transport/Pages/Mobility-and-Paratransit.aspx - Western Maryland: https://imagemd.org/2024/07/22/paratransit-in-western-maryland/ Massachusetts: https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride Michigan: https://www.myride2.com/transit_providers/smart-ada-paratransit-service/ - Detroit: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-department-transportation/detroit-paratransit - University of Michigan: https://ltp.umich.edu/campus-transit/paratransit/ Minnesota: https://www.mankatomn.gov/residents/mankato-transit-system/routes-and-schedules/paratransit Mississippi: https://ridejtran.com/paratransit/ Missouri: https://www.metrostlouis.org/metro-call-a-ride/ Montana: https://co.silverbow.mt.us/2108/Dial-A-Ride-Para-Transit-Services Nebraska: https://heartandsoulparatransit.com/ Nevada: https://www.rtcsnv.com/ways-to-travel/paratransit-accessibility/order-paratransit-passes-online/ New Hampshire: https://www.nashuanh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8987/ADA-Complementary-Paratransit-Application-PDF New Jersey: PASS-Web Transit Information New Mexico: - Albuquerque: https://www.cabq.gov/transit/services/paratransit-service/sun-van-application-for-paratransit-service - Farmington: http://fmtn.org/DocumentCenter/View/23551/ADA-Paratransit-Program-Application - Santa Fe: santafetrails@santafenm.gov New York: https://www.mta.info/accessibility/access-a-ride North Carolina: - Raleigh: https://raleighnc.gov/go-raleigh-access - Boone: https://www.appalcart.com/paratransit North Dakota: https://matbus.com/paratransit/how-to-ride-para Ohio: - Cincinnati: https://www.hamiltonddsohio.gov/events/using-the-cincinnati-metro-access-program/ - Cleveland: https://www.riderta.com/paratransit - Dayton: https://www.iriderta.org/ride/other-transportation-services/paratransit-service - Ohio University: https://www.ohio.edu/transportation-parking/transit-services/catcab Oregon: https://trimet.org/lift/index.htm Pennsylvania: - Philadelphia: https://wwww.septa.org/cct/ada-paratransit-service/ - Pittsburgh: https://myaccessride.com/ Rhode Island: https://www.ripta.com/ride-paratransit-program/ South Carolina: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/599/Paratransit-Information South Dakota: https://siouxareametro.info/paratransit Tennessee: https://www.matatransit.com/mataplus/ Texas: - Dallas: https://www.dart.org/guide/transit-and-use/paratransit-services - Fort Worth: https://ridetrinitymetro.org/rider-services/paratransit/ - San Antonio: https://www.viainfo.net/viatrans-paratransit/ Utah: https://www.rideuta.com/Rider-Info/Accessibility/Accessible-UTA/Paratransit-Services Vermont: https://ridegmt.com/ada-paratransit/ Virginia: - Alexandria DOT: https://www.alexandriava.gov/Paratransit - Arlington County: https://www.arlingtontransit.com/star/ - Bristol: https://www.bristolva.org/646/Paratransit - Culpeper/Fishersville/Loudoun/Purcellville/Shenandoah: https://vatransit.org/ada-application/ - Hampton Roads Transit: https://gohrt.com/paratransit/ - City of Harrisonburg: https://www.harrisonburgva.gov/paratransit-service - Loudoun County: https://www.loudoun.gov/3303/Paratransit-Bus-Service - Lynchburg: https://gltconline.com/paratransit/ - Prince William County: https://omniride.com/omniride-access-paratransit-service/ - Maryland/Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C.: https://metroaccess.wmata.com/#/auth/signinregister - Petersburg/Hopewell/Colonial Heights/Dinwiddie/Prince George: https://www.ridepat.com/para-transit - Richmond/Chesterfield/Henrico: https://www.ridegrtc.com/grtc-services/care-paratransit/ - Roanoke/Roanoke Valley: https://radartransit.org/ - Roanoke/Salem/Vinton: https://www.valleymetro.com/services/paratransit-services - Suffolk: https://www.suffolkva.us/444/Paratransit - Williamsburg: https://www.gowata.org/175/Paratransit-Service Washington: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/travel-options/accessible-services/access-transportation West Virginia: https://www.tta-wv.com/dial-a-ride/ Wisconsin: https://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/paratransit Wyoming: http://platteparatransit.org/ ***** ** Affiliate News * What's Happening in Wyoming? The Wyoming Council of the Blind will hold its annual convention Saturday, Sept. 27th. The gathering will be a hybrid event thanks to the generous partnership WyCB has with Wyoming Independent Living. Cindy Hollis of ACB is set to present to our attendees that day, as are the creators of the book titled "Grandpa's White Cane." It is sure to be an enjoyable event; we are all looking forward to attending. Every month there are support groups for the blind community across the state of Wyoming. For times, dates, and locations, please check out our website, https://wycb.info/. Wyoming also has several low vision support groups around the state. Check out the dates and times at https://wycb.info/wycb-events/. WyCB donated to keep the Braille Forum going. We are eager to support such a wonderful resource! * BITS Presents the Mentoring Hour: Where Your Access Technology Questions Find Answers This community call is designed specifically to help people who are blind or with low vision navigate the fast-changing world of technology. We cover it all: Windows, iOS, and Mac platforms, along with screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and Narrator. We also discuss screen magnification tools such as ZoomText and Fusion, ensuring that no matter your preferred method of access, we're ready to support you. On the initial BITS Presents Call, you'll be warmly welcomed by the BITS team. Our president, Jeff Bishop, kicks off the call with an introduction, explaining how this program came to be. You'll learn about our mission, meet the team of volunteers behind the scenes, and hear the voices that will be guiding you through your access technology questions. We believe in building a community where everyone's voice is valued, and we are committed to making sure every participant feels heard. The Mentoring Hour takes place every first and third Saturday of the month at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Can't make it live? No problem! The call is streamed on ACB Media 5, and you can also join us in Clubhouse to listen in and participate. We know that technology questions don't always follow a schedule, so we also offer the option to email your questions ahead of time to ask@bits-acb.org. This way, even if you can't join us live, your questions can still be addressed. What makes BITS and the Mentoring Hour stand out is the spirit of shared experience and collaboration. Our mentors aren't just tech experts -- they're people who use access technology every day in their own lives, facing the same challenges and celebrating the same breakthroughs. We understand that technology can feel overwhelming, but we also know how empowering it can be when it works. So whether you want to know how to customize JAWS settings, how to use ZoomText effectively, how to navigate iOS apps with VoiceOver, or how to get the most out of your Mac with VoiceOver, the Mentoring Hour is the place to come. We don't just hand out answers; we work alongside you to help you gain confidence and mastery. Join us at BITS Presents the Mentoring Hour, and be part of a community dedicated to making technology accessible, usable, and exciting for everyone. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your enthusiasm -- we're ready to help! * Independent Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs Online Business Expo IVIE is offering a great opportunity to blind or visually impaired business owners/entrepreneurs. When you join in our Online Business Expo shopping experience, you can tell the audience about your business, describe your products and services, pass on contact information, and allow participants to ask questions. For IVIE members, the fee for presenting for 15 minutes is $10; for a half-hour is $20, or for an hour is $30. Not an IVIE member? Then, the fee for presenting is an additional $15 -- $25 for 15 minutes, $35 for a half-hour, or $45 for an hour session. Non-members have the option of having $15 of the payment used to pay IVIE dues for 2026. All those participating in the call, whether presenting or not, will use the same Zoom information to connect. The date and time is November 15, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. The deadline for purchasing a time slot to give a presentation is November 1, 2025. To purchase a time slot or ask questions, send an email to info@ivie-acb.org with your request to exhibit. Please send your business name, product line, your telephone number, and your email address. You will be sent an online business expo registration form which will include a link for payment and additional information. If you wish to attend the IVIE Online Business Expo and listen to this unique shopping experience, there is no cost. However, if you are not on the IVIE email list or the ACB-conversation email list, please send an email to register so we can send you the Zoom call details. Send the request to info@ivie-acb.org. ***** ** Here and There edited by Cynthia G. Hawkins The announcement of products and services in this column does not represent an endorsement by the American Council of the Blind, its officers, or staff. Listings are free of charge for the benefit of our readers. "The ACB Braille Forum" cannot be held responsible for the reliability of the products and services mentioned. To submit items for this column, send a message to slovering@acb.org, or phone the national office at 1-800-424-8666, and leave a message in Sharon Lovering's mailbox. Information must be received at least two months ahead of publication date. * Looking for Accessible Beaches? A new guide reviewing beach accessibility on Martha's Vineyard has been released for the 2025 season! "A Beach Within Reach: Summer 2025 Guide on Accessibility of Martha's Vineyard Beaches" reviews the accessibility all Island public beaches for people of all abilities. It includes many recent improvements ranging from parking to on-beach accessibility and other features that towns and other beach operators have made. It is designed for individuals with mobility and visual disabilities and the elderly, but it should universally benefit all beachgoers who bring their families as well as their gear to the beach. This beach-by-beach profile can be viewed at https://www.hamv.org/accessiblebeaches. The guide was developed by the Beach within Reach Initiative, a coalition of Healthy Aging Martha's Vineyard, Dukes County Associate Commissioner for Disabilities, and by the regional Independent Living Center, Cape Organization for the Rights of the Disabled (CORD). * Anniversary Edition of 'Mexico By Touch' NLS has released Larry Johnson's anniversary edition publication of "Mexico by Touch," DB 126112, on BARD. He revised and expanded the original publication and published it in hard-copy format and on Kindle in 2023. NLS just released it on BARD in April of this year. The narrator is Jake Williams. ***** ** 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, Pittsboro, NC (2nd term, 2028) Donna Brown, Romney, WV (2nd term, 2028) Cheryl Cumings, Seattle, WA (partial term, 2028) Peter Heide, Baraboo, WI (1st term, 2028) Gabriel Lopez Kafati, Miami Lakes, FL (1st term, 2026) Cecily Laney Nipper, Covington, GA (1st term, 2028) Terry Pacheco, Silver Spring, MD (1st term, 2026) Rachel Schroeder, Springfield, IL (1st term, 2026) Koni Sims, Sioux Falls, SD (1st term, 2026) Jeff Thom, Sacramento, CA (2nd term, 2026) ** ACB Board of Publications Zelda Gebhard, Chair, Edgeley, ND (3rd term, 2026) Deborah Armstrong, Milpitas, CA (1st term, 2027) 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. ###