ACB Media Calendar

Join Emily Durfey, MSW, LSW and Stephanie Ash, MSW, LSW, Esq. as they review techniques for how people with diabetes can advocate for their mental health! We’ll review ways to identify and combat stigma and stereotypes; learn techniques to successfully engage in self-advocacy with family, friends, and providers and discuss signs of diabetes distress/burnout and how to seek help. Participants will have an opportunity to put learned techniques into action through guided role-plays during the last half of the session and will leave feeling empowered to take action to advocate for their mental health! Facilitator: Randy Knapp, Board Member: ACBDA, Rockville, MD. Presenters: Stephanie L. Ash, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Endocrinology, Cleveland, OH; Emily Durfey, MSW, LSW, Social Worker, Endocrinology, Cleveland, OH.

Advocacy can look like a lot of things; there is no right or wrong way to do it. This session will talk through the structure of our government to understand the various platforms in which to advocate through. Then, the discussion will expand further to explore other, out-of-the-box forms of advocacy that do not require engaging with the government at all. Lets put on our thinking caps to find various ways to advocate and make change for the blind and low vision community.

Three dietitians and diabetes educators from Pennsylvania Hospital will join us in sharing ideas for planning tasty, fun, and interesting meals following eating recommendations for health with diabetes. Deciding what to eat for your meals and snacks every day is certainly a daunting experience and even more, so, when you’re stopping to think about carbohydrates, proteins, fats, nutrition labels, etc. come join us to help pick up some new tips to help make everyday meal planning easier and enjoyable. There will be time for attendees to share their own suggestions and ask any questions about diabetes. Facilitators: Patricia Maddix, ACBDA Board Member, Vancouver, WA; Abigail Chesterson, MPH, RD, LDN, CDCES, Director, Diabetes Education Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA; Carolyn Ramondo RD, LDN, CDCES, CNSC, Clinical Dietitian Specialist, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.

This is your opportunity to hear from and ask questions of Dave Williams, Chair, Braillists Foundation who is visiting us from England. He will address the ACB banquet on Thursday, this is your chance to talk with him in an informal setting. Topics will include Worldwide Education of the blind, issues facing blind and visually impaired people in foreign countries, and the global importance of braille. There will be plenty of time for questions. Co-sponsored by: IRC and MCAC

Join the membership committee for a two-part session. Panel 1 Fostering Trust between generations. This panel will give tips for working together with members of all ages. This will provide benefits for using the wisdom of older members and taking advantage of the excitement of new members. Presenters: Amanda Selm, Immediate Past President Next Generation, Louisville, KY; Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Chair, Sacramento, CA; Sheila Young, Immediate Past President Florida Council of the Blind, Orlando, FL Panel 2 Providing ACB resources to new members. This session will highlight many ACB Programs and documents that many members may not have heard about or been able to use. Participants can then pass on this information to all of their members. Handouts will be available at the event. Presenters: Scott Thornhill, ACB Executive Director, Greensboro, NC; Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Chair, Sacramento, CA; Sheila Young, chair ADP Performing Arts, Museums and Parks subcommittee, Orlando, FL; Larry Gassman, ACB Media Coordinator, Fullerton, CA; and Dan Spoone, ACB Director of Operations, Orlando, FL.

Come and meet the 2025 DKM First Timers and learn how big dreams become reality. Join them and past recipients for a time of sharing and fun!