Upcoming Events | American Council of the Blind

For details on how to join our community events, sign up for our email list by filling out the subscription form, or by sending an email to: acb-community-events-subscribe@acblists.org. If your state or special interest affiliate would like your event listed on our Events page, send the information to: info@acb.org.

Monday, October 26, 2020

Date:

October 26

Location:

Teleconference

Details:

Coffee Social: 11am ET, 8am PT, 5am HT

Let’s get social. Join Judy as together we get ready for the week ahead. Bring your favorite morning beverage and let’s connect.

Easy Chair Yoga: 4pm ET, 1pm PT, 10am HT

All you need is a chair, some comfortable clothes, and no shoes and together we can enjoy a relaxing and stress-free hour in the comfort of our own homes. Hosted by Leslie Spoone, Certified Aerobic Instructor and Personal Trainer.

There's No Place Like Home: 6pm ET, 3pm PT, 12pm HT

Come join us this week as we discuss dwelling violence and its prevention. We will be joined by Robert Sollars, who has developed information covering this topic. Come with your questions.

For All Diabetics: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 1pm HT

This month we bring you Tom Tobin; and Ann Ward. They participated in creating a standard for developing durable medical equipment. Ann Ward is a diabetic educator and can also talk about the value of using educators in your local area.

The Joy of Music: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 1:30pm HT

Join Donna for a fun time discussing Music. This is something that has no bounds. Everyone likes music of some kind. We all listen to music or create it for a myriad of reasons and the best thing about music is it evokes happiness for all to share.

Autumn with Austen: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 1:30pm HT

Join us as we read and discuss Jane Austen's last completed novel: "Persuasion," a bittersweet tale perfect for autumn. In this third of four meetings, we'll be talking about chapters 1-16. Dr. Tabitha Kenlon, a former professor of English, will moderate the conversation. The book is available for free through the NLS (DB51057), and don't worry - there won't be a test!

Ghost Stories by the Campfire: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 2pm HT

Need a little spooky fun in anticipation of Halloween? Bring your spooky spoofs, your tall tales, and your scariest stories to our crackling campfire. While Desiree passes out the toasty beverages and warm blankets for this chill night, Byron will tempt us into the theater of the mind with an audio landscape to transform your living room or bedroom into a night of spine tingling, skin crawling Halloween fun. Tents, sleeping bags and bathroom facilities not included.

ACB of MN Presents— All Things New In Apple: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 2pm HT

Join David Tanner, assistive technology specialist at MN State Services for the Blind, to find out about the newest features in the latest software update for your iDevice or Apple Watch followed by an introduction to the newest iPhones and Apple Watches. there will be time at the end of each overview for your questions. This is not a training session; it is a review of the new operating systems so one can make an informed decision

Out of Sight Adventures: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 2pm HT

Join Terry, Brian and Janeen as they go on an adventure to the fun and amazing places that this incredible planet offers up to visit, and learn about the food, drink, nature and how we can best experience these wonderful places! email: outofsight2020@gmail.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Out-of-Sight-Adventures-242937676629900/

Gender and Transitioning: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 3pm HT

Are you transitioning or have questions about Gender Identity Disorder (GID)? Come join us as we have a frank and honest discussion to answer all your questions. Please note that the call will be locked after 5 minutes to ensure everyone’s privacy.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this group is for peer support only. It is not a therapy group nor will it be facilitated by a health care professional serving in a professional capacity and does not purport to provide mental health services.

Trina's Lounge: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 3pm HT

Come relax with us in Trina's lounge. We will discuss a wide variety of topics. However, we will try to avoid the heavy stuff. Come chill with us! Hosted by Ali; facilitated by Trina.

Nerd Night: 10pm ET, 7pm PT, 4pm HT

We all have an inner nerd. From Disney to Star Wars to sports to gaming to theater to dating reality shows, come join the fun as we let our inner nerds out for this fun filled hour. This will be a weekly call and each week will have a different theme. Let your geekiness shine. Special guest night: puppeteer Grant Baciocco ( http://mrgrant.com/ ) has worked on The Happytime Murders, Toiley T. Paper, and Mystery Science Theater 3000 as Crow T. Robot. Come ask questions about the ins and outs of puppeting.

Event Category:

Community Events

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Date:

October 27

Location:

Teleconference

Details:

Coffee Social: 11am ET, 8am PT, 5am HT

Let’s get social. Join Cindy for good conversation over your favorite morning beverage.

Taking Care of Our Mental Health – Setting Goals and Meeting Them: 1pm ET, 10am PT, 7am HT

Many times, we set goals based on the best of intentions. And often, wee find ourselves not sticking to them or following through. This can be changed and in this presentation, you will learn how. Presented by Jessie L. Rayl, Ed.D.

West Coast Coffee Break: 1pm ET, 10am PT, 7am HT

Come into our virtual Cafe and bring your favorite hot beverage, West coast Style. Drop in for 5 minutes or stay the whole time for some free-flowing conversation. Connect with good friends and make some new ones.

Hosted by the Capital chapter of CCB

Resistance 101: 3:30pm ET, 12:30pm PT, 9:30am HT

It’s time for an upper body workout using resistance bands. Hand weights, Soup cans, or other household items can be substituted. These exercises can be done sitting or standing. Let’s all get moving with Leslie Spoone, Certified Aerobic Instructor and Personal Trainer.

Crochet with Kaila and Tyanne: 4pm ET, 1pm PT, 10am HT

Beginner crocheters join us in the first hour with a bulky or chunky yarn and a corresponding hook size. Experienced crocheters join us in the second hour to learn new skills from each other. Don’t forget your yarn and hooks.
To receive updates and supply lists Join us onFacebookWww.Facebook.Com/groups/acbcrafters. Join our List serve Send a blank email to acb-crafters-subscribe@acblists.org E-mail acbcrafters@gmail.com

The Ins and Outs of Sight Loss Later in Life: 4pm ET, 1pm PT, 10am HT

If you or someone you care about is losing sight and the days of youth are behind you, come join us as we discuss the unique issues and feelings you may be experiencing. This is your time to talk about your journey and hear from those who have taken it before you and can empathize and show you the way.

Sponsored by Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss

Linking up with LinkedIn: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 1pm HT

Join members of LinkedIn to discuss where they are in their accessibility journey and to get your feedback, positive and constructive. There will be folks from both LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning in attendance. This will include Jennison Asuncion, Head of Accessibility Engineering Evangelism, and colleagues from Engineering, Design and User Experience Research.

It's 7-Up Time!: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 1pm HT

Come join members of Mountain State Council as we discuss enjoying the fall foliage without being able to really see it.

Tuesday Topics: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 1pm HT

How did audio description start? Who did it? Why has closed captioning become ubiquitous while audio description has to fight for hours? It's ten years since the CVAA was passed; the anniversary is this month! Should we push for changes? There are very few people who have the comprehensive knowledge of audio description that is possessed by the ACB Director of the Audio Description Project, Joel Snyder. Come join us for a discussion on this complex subject; feel free to bring your topics.

Information Corner – Real World Advice on Getting and Keeping a Job If You Have a Vision Impairment from an HR and Legal Perspective: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 1:30pm HT

This month, the IRPS Information Corner will explore Title I reasonable accommodation rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Sponsored by the Information Referral and Peer Support Steering Committee

Thank You for Being a Friend: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 1:30pm HT

We all have those friends. You know, the ones that are always there for us. Or maybe the ones who aren't. Let's chat about friendship and what it means. Bring your bestie and let's have some fun. Or make a new one. friendship.

Virtual Tupperware Party Fundraiser: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 2pm HT

Tupperware has a fundraiser in which ACBDA is participating in and invite you to join the party and help our fundraiser. All sales from the fundraiser flyer will mean Tupperware will donate 40 percent of the sales to the affiliate.

Virtual Halloween Dance: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 3pm HT

Come one, Come all to our Virtual Dance Hall. Chair dance to your Halloween favorites as we intertwine the evening mischief and mayhem. Compete for the most blood curdling scream on the planet! Know you can make the creepiest hair-raising voice or sounds ever? Who knows what trouble may come find you as we butt dance the night away!

Foodie Fun: Carnival & State Fair Foods: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 3pm HT

Grab your ticket an come along for the ride. The Foodie gang will be traveling the globe to some of the best Carnival & State Fairs. Indulge with us for 60 minutes of some out of this world treats.

Event Category:

Community Events

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Date:

October 28

Location:

Teleconference

Details:

Wednesday Check-In: 11am ET, 8am PT, 5am HT

It’s mid-week. Whether things are going good, or you’re feeling a bit over-whelmed, here’s an opportunity for us to connect and just check in. Because, there’s something reassuring about being a part of a community. So let’s join Eugene and the gang for a little company and a boost to our week.

Come Find Your Inner Vision: 1pm ET, 10am PT, 7am HT

Come and continue our journey into the art of energy healing. We have begun a sequential course into this practice, and if you are new to this, know that we have already begun this class that will take us through the rest of the year. If you are a frequent visitor, and will miss a class, get in touch with Julie @ JulieLHarlow@gmail.com , and we can work out what you have missed. If you have not been attending regularly, you will surely be lost. Thank you all for those that come to learn about the wonderful art of Energy healing.

Widows and Widowers: 2pm ET, 11am PT, 8am HT

Join Roger Dennis for a time of sharing and connection. Together we will remember our partners and gain ideas on how to make living alone easier. Please remember, this call is only for those who have experienced such a life-altering loss of a spouse or significant-other.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this group is for peer support only. It is not a therapy group nor will it be facilitated by a health care professional and does not purport to provide mental health services.

Full Flexibility Yoga: 4pm ET, 1pm PT, 10am HT

All you need is some comfortable clothes, no shoes, and a mat as we dive headfirst into full flexibility yoga. No chair, no worries! This class will focus on a full range of body poses as we move from the chair to the floor. Come join us for an hour of relaxation and yoga in the comfort of our own homes. Hosted by Leslie Spoone, Certified Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer.

Brink Election Guide Info Session and Presentation: 4pm ET, 1pm PT, 10am HT

This event will be an in-depth look at the "Brink Election Guide" mobile app, which seeks to make the democratic process more accessible to people with disabilities using technology, design, and behavioral science. Brink is not supported or sponsored by ACB, we are simply an outside entity with a product to support the disability community.

Do You Want to Be an Author:? 6pm ET, 3pm PT, 12pm HT

Do you really want to make that dream come true? This is the place where we get started on it. Facilitated by Jenny Anderson, a self-published author. We will share with each other and encourage each other. We will walk through the process of actual publication with each other, and be encouraged with special guests that will explain the publication process.

Learning a Foreign Language with a Screen Reader: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 1pm HT

Nowadays, language learning relies on web-based instruction. Knowing the features your screen reader provides to work with these sites is the secret to success. Deborah Armstrong will demonstrate these features , configuring voices in Windows and dealing with problems when text is read with the wrong language.

ACB Women Unite!: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 1:30pm HT

Welcome to the ACB Women! Come in and sit down to join our circle. Let’s talk about a virtual holiday or a virtual Birthday.

The Friendship Circle: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 1:30pm HT

Many of us have been coming to community calls for several months now, and we have new people joining us all the time. How can we take our connection to the next level? How about smaller gatherings, four to six people in a breakout room and we’ll call them friendship circles. We’ll do them twice in one hour, locking the room five minutes after we start, reopening just before the half-hour to allow new-comers in and lock up again at 5 after the half-hour to ensure everyone has a group to join. Note: Everyone must identify themselves to participate or they will be removed from the meeting.

It’s Electric: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 1:30pm HT

Do you have questions about the Instant Pot, air fryer or other small kitchen appliances? What about the ones that work with Lady A? Join Jeannie to learn and share info about these great kitchen helpers!

HEALTH Check-Up: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 2pm HT

Home, Emergency, Attitude, Lifestyle, Tools, Health - Giving you the resources to be prepared and ready in all situations! What to do to prepare for a doctor's visit. How to be a self-advocate with your medical team and care. Questions or concerns? Email me at travelresqwm@gmail.com.

Open Mic Night: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 2pm HT

Come to this pre-Halloween bash highlighting talent from our ACB Next Gen affiliate! Everyone in the community is welcome to come and share music, stories, poetry and spooktacular Halloween sounds! Halloween sounds! Content related to Halloween and the season is encouraged, but not necessary!

Main Menu Live: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 2pm HT

On this month’s Main Menu Live, we bring some exciting speakers to you as we learn all about JAWS 2021 and Leasey. In the first hour Eric Damery from Freedom Scientific joins us to talk about the brand-new release of JAWS 2021. We are expecting the JAWS 2021 release to be made available on October 27th. Have your questions ready for Eric as you proceed to upgrade your JAWS license. In the second hour Brian Hartgen joins us to talk all about his products with a focus on Leasey. Leasey has an exciting new feature to allow you to subscribe and listen to podcasts. We will learn about this and so much more when he talks with us about his products on the show.

Midlife Mingle: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 3pm HT

If you would like to connect with others, share hobbies, address any issues or concerns that effect those of us whom are middle aged while having a relaxing and lively discussion, than join Karen Hughes and others. Topics are flexible and all are welcome.

Taking Care of Our Mental Health – Setting Goals and Meeting Them: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 3pm HT

Meditation Celebration: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 3pm HT

Join In for a special half-hour together including a 20 minute meditation. We look forward to you coming. Your presence, is our gift, our present. Your participation is our anticipation.

Mid-Week Serenity: 10pm ET, 7pm PT, 4pm HT

Sometimes life gets a hold of us and we just need to remember to keep it simple and breathe. Join Cheryl for a peaceful time of guided reflection, rejuvenation, and recharging of our spirit.

Event Category:

Community Events

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Date:

October 29

Location:

Teleconference

Details:

Coffee Social: 11AM ET, 8:00 AM PT, 5am HT

Let’s get social. Join Cindy and the gang for this “Throwback Thursday” as together we step back in time and remember and each share a special memory.

YouTube and JAWS: 12pm ET, 9am PT, 6am HT

Join User Ed team members as they take us through YouTube and Jaws and the Freedom Scientific YouTube Channel

Presented and sponsored by Vispero

West Coast Coffee Break: 1pm ET, 10am PT, 7am HT

Come into our virtual Cafe and bring your favorite hot beverage, West coast Style. Drop in for 5 minutes or stay the whole time for some free-flowing conversation.

Connect with good friends and make some new ones.

Tips and Tricks for Around the House: 3pm ET, 12pm PT, 9am HT

We’ve all come to vision loss in different ways and times in our lives. Here’s an opportunity to ask those, “How do you do this?” questions and share tried and true techniques with one another. Join Elizabeth Bowden for a candid chat of sharing, and let’s help each other make our lives a little easier in the process. This week we’ll check out the home advisor web page to see how you can get help with those things you’d like someone else to do, with safety in mind.

Resistance 101: 3:30pm ET, 12:30pm PT, 9:30am HT

Craft and Chat: 5pm ET, 2pm PT, 11am HT

Do you have crafts sitting around in your closet? Have you ever thought about getting the crafts done, but you haven’t had time to work on them? You could come work on your craft, bring a beverage of choice, and chat with each other.

Open Chat with Missouri: 5pm ET, 2pm PT, 11am HT

Let’s stay social. Join this open chat with our friends from the Missouri Council of the Blind.

Hosted by Missouri Council of the Blind

Technology Learning Lab: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 1pm HT

Come to learn about and discuss various technology topics. These could include learning about iPhone and iPad apps, feature demonstrations, as well as answering questions asked by participants. Shawn Thiel from ACB of Ohio will do his best to ensure that audio from the iOS device, computer, Victor Reader stream, Etc. is put through his mixer to be as clear as possible.

VISAbilities – Visually Impaired Senior Abilities: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 1pm HT

No generation gap here! All are invited to join in our inaugural VISAbilities show on ACB Radio Mainstream. Meet members of state and special interest affiliates interested in strengthening the unification of ACB through shared ideas, experiences and wisdom. This promises to be a very special event. Listen on www.ACBRadio.org/mainstream

Moving On After Divorce: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 1pm HT

Whether after one or thirty years together, divorce changes the fabric of your life. With so much brokenness, family, friendships, finances, and even ones social life can all take a bit of a beating. How do you move on and regain your identity? How do you trust again? How do you forge new friendships? Join Sheila and others who have, or are moving on, and together let's create a safe place of sharing, caring, and connection. For everyone's information, we will be locking the room five minutes after 7, so if you are late, you will not be able to join us. We really want everyone to be able to feel free to share without interruptions.

Virtual Haunted House: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 1pm HT

This is not your typical Haunted House, the poltergeist is causing mischief, Casper may not be so friendly, and there is most definitely a witch in the attic. In the basement, you will find a mad scientist with his latest creation. Thanks to the theater of the mind. This one you can enter, but you might never leave.

Reflect, Remember, Relax: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 1:30pm HT

No matter what your age, we’ve all felt nostalgic for the old days. Join Annie for a relaxing hour of reflecting and trips down Memory Lane. Who knows where the conversation may lead.

Resolving to improve ACB's Resolutions Process: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 2pm HT

Whereas the membership of ACB asked the ACB Board of Directors to take a look at the resolutions process, now, therefore, be it resolved that we are coming to you to share what we've done and gather your input. Members of the ACB Resolutions Ad-hoc Committee will discuss the current resolutions process, share our ideas for improving it and take your comments and questions. Our goal is to make submitting resolutions as easy as possible so more ACB members will get involved in this most important part of our organization's work.

Sobriety First: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 2pm HT

This weekly meeting is for recovering alcoholics and addicts who cannot get to a meeting near their location.

David's Bar And Grill Social: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 3pm HT

Looking for a slightly more relaxed but equally as fun gathering as any virtual social you've attended? Come to David's Bar And Grill, where we welcome regulars and new people every week. From ice breakers to random conversation, we cover it all, and more, at David's Bar and grill. So bring your food and beverage of choice and come join the fun.

Event Category:

Community Events

Friday, October 30, 2020

Date:

October 30

Location:

Teleconference

Details:

Friday Morning Check-In and Chat: 11am ET, 8am PT, 5am HT

It's Friday, that means the weekend is here, and it's the last day of work for most. Celebrate the end of the week with Lucy and your fellow community members with some lively chatter and fun. Meet new people, re-acquaint with old friends, and give yourself 60 minutes of smiles and good conversation to welcome in the start of the weekend.

Writers’ Workshop: 12pm ET, 9am PT, 6am HT

Welcome Ardis Bazyn is an inspirational speaker, business coach, and author including books, manuals, and many articles. After Q and A with Cheryl, Ardis will be answering your questions. Join us for encouragement and inspiration.

Sheltering in Place, Together: 1pm ET, 10am PT, 7am HT

Stay for 10 minutes, stay the whole time. It’s all good! We will discuss a wide range of topics. Come join the fun

Hosted by Teresa Christian and Pat Wallace of Oregon Council of the Blind.

Apple Presentation – Voiceover and iPad Tricks and Treats: 3pm ET, 12pm PT, 9am HT

Learn several useful tips and tricks that will vastly improve productivity on the iPad with Voiceover. For example, learn how to add text captions to photos, correct misspelled words, copy and paste text, use Split Screen Multitasking, and drag and drop items from one app to another. Presented by Matt Vollbrecht, certified Apple teacher.

In Perspective podcast: 5pm ET, 2pm PT, 11am HT

Join us as we record the In Perspective podcast where we build bridges and empower through interviews and conversation. This week's guest, Steve Theberge, asks: How can we blind folk get noticed by the politicians?

Blind Health and Beauty – Color My World: 6pm ET, 3pm PT,12pm HT

Let’s explore accessible color apps and how we can use color to enhance our makeup, clothing, and overall fashion. No matter what your level of vision, you can learn useful and empowering non-visual beauty and grooming techniques that will build your self- confidence, independence, and personal and professional self-image. Join Chelsea Nguyen, Owner and Trainer with CN Vision Image Consulting, LLC for this special presentation and discussion.

¡VAMOS A HABLAR ESPAÑOL (Let’s Talk Spanish): 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 1pm HT

¡BIENVENIDOS! Join amigas Minh Ha and Ashley Colburn every Friday evening for a friendly and informal meeting where we’ll discuss all things Spanish language and culture. We’ll bring different topics for discussion with plenty of time leftover for “conversación en español” with native and beginner speakers. All levels and abilities are welcome! ¡HASTA PRONTO! Sponsored by ACB Students. You can find group notes and words we learned during each session in this document, which will get updated weekly: https://tinyurl.com/ACBSpanishgroup

Minh runs a Facebook group for language learners:

https://m.facebook.com/groups/562134754546441?_rdr

Event Category:

Community Events

Saturday, October 31, 2020

Date:

October 31

Location:

Teleconference

Details:

Weekend Wind Down: 11am ET, 8am PT, 5am HT

Grab your favorite morning beverage and let’s join Danette as we share an hour together, winding down from a long week.

Healthy Living Accountability Check-In: 12pm ET, 9am PT, 6am HT

Join others in the community for goal setting and idea sharing around staying healthy. Whether it’s supporting you on your weight-loss journey, trying to lower your cholesterol, blood sugar, or blood pressure, becoming more physically fit, giving up a bad habit, or something else altogether, here’s a chance for each of us to hold ourselves accountable in a supportive environment. Let’s get together once a week and celebrate successes, encourage one another through struggles, and become a healthier member of this ACB Community in the process.

Angel Eyes Fitness – Stretch and Flex: 12pm ET, 9am PT, 6am HT

Soft, soothing music accompanies deep muscle stretching while seated in a chair (or on the floor) to improve flexibility and movement, and prevent injury. Optional Tools: 1-2 lbs and 2-3 lbs set of small hand weights, medium and light resistance bands and a chair.

Samhain – The Pagan New Year: 12pm ET, 9am PT, 6am HT

Come celebrate a time of spiritual renewal as we honor those preceding us in death. Please bring 1 coin for each loved one you wish to honor and remember through sharing. The room will be locked after 5 minutes to create a safe environment for people to share. Note: All are welcome to the circle in perfect love and perfect trust, but this is for those sharing nature based, Polytheistic, Pagan and Neo-Pagan beliefs.

Active Blind Inland Valley, CCB Pampered Chef Fundraiser: 2pm ET, 11am PT, 8am HT

This four hour event is a great opportunity to treat yourself to some helpful tools for your kitchen, a gift for a friend or loved one, and support this ACB chapter. Cindy Golding, the Pampered Chef Consultant will lead us in games and share new products with us. Cindy will be available to take orders. The virtual event will close on Saturday, November 7, at 8:00 PM Eastern.

Care Giver Support Group: 5pm ET, 2pm PT, 11am HT

If you are a care giver or have a friend or loved one in long-term care or assisted living, this group is for you. For all of us, this has been a very difficult time and we need one another. Let’s get together and give each other virtual hugs.

Event Category:

Community Events