Click “Launch Event” to identify the ACB Media stream for each event.
Week of Jul 12th
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Exploring AI Tools Opportunities and Risks for Blind Students and BEYOND Exploring AI Tools Opportunities and Risks for Blind Students and BEYOND
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July 16, 2026Join ACB Students for an engaging and practical conversation on how artificial intelligence is transforming accessibility, education, and opportunities for blind students. This session will demystify how AI works, explore its real benefits and risks, and share actionable strategies students can use right now to learn, create, and lead with confidence. Featuring special guests Ming Fang, faculty member at Florida International University, and Prashant Rajpal, author of Ethical AI Journey Implementing Responsible AI within Real Organizations, the discussion will highlight responsible AI use, ethical considerations, and real-world applications that empower blind students to shape the future rather than fear it. Participants can expect practical tips, real examples, and an open conversation designed to build confidence, awareness, and innovation. Presenters: Ricardo Salazar, Kit Rajpal, Dr. Ming Fang and Prashant Rajpal Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Moving Forward from Job Loss Moving Forward from Job Loss
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July 16, 2026Join us as three Employment Committee members share their experiences after losing (or nearly losing) their jobs in January 2026. Co-sponsored by the Employment Committee, ACB Students and ACB Next Generation Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Amateur Digital Communications and the SharkRF M1KE Radioless Hotspot Amateur Digital Communications and the SharkRF M1KE Radioless Hotspot
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July 16, 2026A brief discussion of amateur digital communication modes and a presentation on the SharkRF M1KE radioless digital hotspot. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
LUA Presents Unlocking Independence in Reading with Bookshare LUA Presents Unlocking Independence in Reading with Bookshare
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July 16, 2026Bookshare is the world’s largest accessible library of published copyrighted books. It transforms the way individuals with print disabilities read and learn. Learn how to navigate the platform, download books in multiple accessible formats, and use popular reading tools to create a personalized reading experience. Gain practical skills and learn how you can use Bookshare in school, your career, and everyday life. You will also get a preview of our newest AI-powered tool called Bookshare Plus, which converts non-copyrighted materials into accessible formats that can be accessed in the Bookshare platform. Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, service provider, or reader, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to expand access, promote independence, and unlock a world of learning possibilities. Presenter: Mario Oliveros, Director of Growth, Palo Alto, CA; marioo@benetech.org; 510-479-5998 Facilitated by Brian Charlson, Past President, Library Users of America, Watertown, MA Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
LVA Presents the Importance of a Low Vision Evaluation LVA Presents the Importance of a Low Vision Evaluation
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July 16, 2026Join Low Vision Alliance with Carlos L. Grandela, OD, FAAO Optometrist from Mesa, AZ for an informative session on the importance of a low vision evaluation, what it is, and why you should have one. There will be time for questions. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
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Whats new with the Monarch Whats new with the Monarch
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July 17, 2026Come learn with BITS about the Monarch multi-line Braille display from the American Printing House for the Blind. Discover all about tactile graphics, Monarch apps, and the Monarch RISE project. Presenters: Katie Frederick, Digital Engagement and Accessibility Specialist, Monarch Projects, American Printing House for the Blind (APH), Worthington, OH; Jennifer Wenzel, Technology Product Specialist, APH, Louisville, KY Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Workplace Etiquette Workplace Etiquette
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July 17, 2026Explore workplace etiquette through the lense of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Participants will gain insight into unspoken office norms from navigating shared spaces and introductions to handling meetings, social cues, and common misconceptions. Co-sponsored by ACBS, ACBNG, and ACB Employment Committee Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Microsoft Narrator A Tool for Making the Transition from Low Vision to No Vision Microsoft Narrator A Tool for Making the Transition from Low Vision to No Vision
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July 17, 2026If using screen magnification and a mouse with your Windows PC is no longer working effectively for you due to ongoing vision loss, there is an available alternative. Microsoft Narrator, a free screen reader built into the Windows operating system, can enable you to read the contents displayed on your computer’s screen, as well as hear the text in documents, email, and webpages, as well as any other content on your computer screen. In this BITS presentation, we will show you how to put this powerful tool to work for you, and help you maintain your independence, as your vision continues to transition from low vision to no vision. Presenters: Brad Snyder, Assistive Technology Specialist, Dallas, TX; Myrna Votta, Instructor of Assistive Technology, New York Metropolitan Area Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Finding your Driverless Car Finding your Driverless Car
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July 17, 2026Driverless ride share services are becoming more common, on one hand, since there is no driver in these cars, there’s no discrimination! However, driverless ridshare services can pose some challenges for blind or low vision individuals. For instance, how to find the car if there is no driver to communicate with? Come and hear from fellow blind people who have found tips and tricks to find their car even when there is no driver. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
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Innovations in Performing Arts Access Innovations in Performing Arts Access
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July 18, 2026This session will share new and innovative practices in performing arts accessibility with audio description. Join us to learn strategies for evolving practices and what can be possible in live performing arts venues. Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
Accessible Blogging with Substack Accessible Blogging with Substack
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July 18, 2026Substack is an accessible web-based platform designed to allow you to unleash your imagination for creative writing. In this BITS presentation, we will explore this exciting platform, and hear from 3 users who will share their experiences using Substack as a creative way to reach a wide audience. Presenters: Tyson Ernst, Access Technology Educator, Washington State Department of Services for the Blind, Seattle, WA; Kaila Allen, Mindfulness, Wellness, & Somatic Coach, Creative Guidance LLC, Mesa, AZ; Taylor Arndt, Mobil Applications Developer, Techopolis Online Solutions, Austin, TX Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127
What Does It Take To Be An Entrepreneur What Does It Take To Be An Entrepreneur
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July 18, 2026Panelists will talk about what was required for them to start their different types of businesses and answer questions from the audience. Speakers: Kimberly Ruf, Mary Kay Inc., Dayton, OH; Edward Cohen, EZ2 See Products, Rochester, MN; Jeremy Johansen, Farmer Host, San Leandro, CA Full session listing: https://acbconvention.org/?p=127