Speaking Out For The Blind

We’re talking about one of ACB’s finest state affiliates: The American Council of the Blind of Nebraska. Joining us to talk about ACBN will be Kristal Platt. She’s the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska’s President.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-361-acb-of-nebraskaacb-of-nebraska Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. Smart device Access (RECOMMENDED): Download “ACB Link” from your app store. Find “Radio” along the bottom of the screen, then “Menu” in the top left corner. Select “Live Streams” and

Monterey County Now reports that The Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County has opened a new low-vision clinic. The low-vision clinic is located in Salinas, California. We welcome back Steven Macias. Steven is the Executive Director of the Blind and Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County. He joins us to talk about the new low-vision clinic. For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-360-low-vision-clinic Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number). PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. Smart device Access (RECOMMENDED): Download “ACB Link” from

We’re very excited to welcome back American Council of the Blind’s Cindy Hollis. Cindy is ACB’s Manager of Membership Engagement. She’s here to talk about ACB’s Community Calls and how they’ve positively changed ACB and the blind community for the past five years.   For more information on this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-359-acb-communitys-past-present-and-future Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. Smart device Access (RECOMMENDED): Download “ACB Link” from your app store. Find “Radio” along the bottom of the screen, then “Menu” i

The Santa Cruz Sentinel reports that many blind and visually impaired listen to a video without visuals and can’t get the whole experience. That’s the experience the blind and visually impaired have when using social media and watching video tutorials. University of California, UC Santa Cruz Computational Media Department and Baskin School of Engineering Professor Sri Kurniawan is trying to solve the problem. Professor Kurniawan and her colleagues are working with the blind community to find useful features for new auto-generated audio description programs. Professor Kurniawan is here to talk about her mission.        For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-358-quest-for-improved-audio-description Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org

Texas Tech Now reports that two Texas Tech Clinical Psychology professors: Adam T. Schmidt and Sarah Victor are conducting a study on blind and visually impaired children. The study examines the kids’ experiences around their families, peers, schools, and other settings. The professors earned an over $3,000,000 grant from the National Eye Institute for the study. Sarah and Adam join us to talk about the study.      For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-357-impacts-of-visual-impairments-on-children Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin

The Blind of Nevada in Las Vegas assists the blind and visually impaired in achieving their highest potential. How does the center do that? Blind Center of Nevada President Todd Imholte is here to tell us.   For more information on this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-356-blind-center-of-nevada Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. Smart device Access (RECOMMENDED): Download “ACB Link” from your app store. Find “Radio” along the bottom of the screen, then “Menu” in the top left corner. Select “Live Streams” and then choose “ACB Media 1 -

KOLR-TV. In Springfield, Missouri is talking about the Southwest Kids in Action group. The group provides recreational opportunities for blind and visually impaired kids. One of the opportunities is learning boxing and self-defense. Southwest Kids in Action and 417 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu joined forces. They gave a boxing and self defense class. Glenn Cozzens, who helps run 417 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Lydia Regier, Program Coordinator for the St. Louis Lighthouse for the Blind, are here to talk about the class and special group.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-355-boxing-and-southwest-kids-in-action   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and

The BBC reports that blind man Dave Smith sits on an accessibility advisory panel. The panel is a part of Britain’s Translink Railway System. Dave just wrote an audio guide for the blind and all people with disabilities to understand the train layout before traveling. Dave will be here to talk about the layout and guide.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-354-train-audio-guide   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. Smart device Access (RECOMMENDED): Download “ACB Link” from your app store. Find “Radio” along

The website mentalfloss.com reports that Virginia is the first State to receive colorblind-friendly viewfinders. The viewfinders are at all of Virginia’s forty-five State parks. Natural Tunnel State Park, in Duffield, Virginia, was the first to add the viewfinders in 2023. The viewfinders got quite the reception. So the viewfinders were installed at the rest of Virginia’s State parks. Enchroma Vice President of Communications and Partnerships Kent Streeb and Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker are here with us. They’re going to explain how the viewfinders and their lenses are helping color blind visitors enjoy the best of Virginia’s State parks.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-353-viewfinders-and-their-lenses   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser acces

The Standard reports that worldwide magicians are being challenged. That challenge is showcasing the best tricks for the blind and visually impaired. These tricks only use sound. There’s a new competition for showcasing the sound-only magic tricks. Associate Professor in Psychology Dr. Gustav Kuhn of the University of Plymouth in England will talk about the contest.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-352-magic Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. Smart device Access (RECOMMENDED): Download “ACB Link” from yo

The Leader Newspaper reports that the Houston Lighthouse out of Texas is offering tandem bike rides for the blind on the first Saturday of each month. Here to talk about tandem biking for the blind is Lighthouse of Houston’s Marketing and Development Director Daryan Jones.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-351-tandem-biking   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. Smart device Access (RECOMMENDED): Download “ACB Link” from your app store. Find “Radio” along the bottom of the screen, then “Menu” in the top lef

Mattel has just launched its best Barbie doll in years. It’s a blind Barbie doll. Yes my fellow listeners. We now have a blind Barbie doll. Here to talk about the new doll is UK based blind broadcaster and blind Barbie Ambassador, disability activist, and journalist Lucy Edwards and American Foundation for the Blind Assistant Vice President of Communications Tony Stephens. Barbie joined forces with the American Foundation for the Blind to debut the doll.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-350-the-blind-barbie-doll   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button a

KCTV reports that several visually impaired students just attended a special summer camp in Kansas City, Missouri. The students learned how to build websites and good cybersecurity practices to better protect themselves online. The camp was known as Alphapointe’s annual technology camp. Alphapointe Senior Manager of special events Jake McLaughlin joins us to talk about the camp.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-349-the-visually-impaired-and-cybersecurity   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. Smart device

According to northjersey.com, New Jersey’s Department of Human Services just began an annual mentorship program for its second year. The program strengthens connections between older and younger New Jerseyans with vision loss. Here to talk more about the program is Dr. Charles Pat McKenna. Pat is New Jersey Department of Human Services Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Assistant Division Director.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-348-mentorship-program   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. Sm

WPIX-TV of New York reports that Flushing, Queens blind fifth grader Hao Wen Deng is a piano prodigy. Hao Wen currently studies music at the city’s Filomen M. D’ Agostino Greenberg, or FMDG school. The FMDG music school serves blind and visually impaired people from five to ninety-five years old. Hao Wen and his fellow students just performed in a big concert at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. FMDG music school Executive Director Leslie Jones joins us to talk about the recent concert at the Met. We also can’t forget Hao Wen. He’s also here to talk about his musical life. For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-347-piano Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number). PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED): Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media p

We’re talking about a new app on today’s show. The app is called Friendly Like Me. Friendly Like Me helps people with disabilities and individuals with body weight concerns find accessible places and events just for them. Some of these events and places are accessible for all blind and visually impaired users of the app. Co-Founder and CEO Elysia Everett joins us to talk all about the app called Friendly Like Me.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-346-friendly-like-me   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind  Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED):  Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately.

We’re going to be talking with Dolly Lewis (Tess), Agam Darshi (Sunny), and Executive Producers Nikolijne and Karen Troubetzkov about the new CTV Canada and CW US TV series Sight Unseen. They’ll tell us how visually diverse homicide detective Tess Avery and her sighted guide Sunny solve some rather unresolved cases.    For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-345-sight-unseen   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind  Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number). PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED):  Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. Smart device Access (RECOMMENDED):  Download “ACB Link” from your app store. Find “Radio” along the bot

The San Francisco Chronicle and KRON-TV report that advocates for California’s blind voters want help from federal courts. The advocates are suing California’s Secretary of State. The suit comes after the State’s rules give no other choice to blind and visually impaired individuals, but to give their ballots to other people in order to vote by mail. The two major Plaintiffs are the California Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind of California. California Council of the Blind member Jeff Thom, National Federation of the Blind of California member Tim Elder, and Disability Rights Advocates Staff Attorney Rosa (Rosie) Lee Bichell join us to talk about the suit.    For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-344-voting-lawsuit   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind  Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number). PC / b

The American Council of the Blind has a new Executive Director. ACB’s new Executive Director is Scott Thornhill. Scott took office on March 18th. The ACB Board voted Scott in to lead the over sixty-year-old organization. Scott joins us to talk about his experience and plans for leading ACB.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://www.acb.org/acb-names-scott-thornhill-new-executive-director   Ways to Connect to Speaking Out for the Blind  Amazon Alexa enabled device (RECOMMENDED) “Alexa, Ask ACB Media to play Media 1”. (1 = stream number).   PC / browser access (RECOMMENDED):  Visit acbmedia.org at http://www.acbmedia.org/1 (1 = stream number). The site has a built-in media player and there is no need to install or use a media player on your device. Hit the play button and the stream will begin playing immediately. Smart device Access (RECOMMENDED):  Download “ACB Link” from your app store. Find “Radio” along the bottom of the screen, then “Menu” in the top left corner. Select “Live Streams

Miami’s Community News reports that a benefit concert is coming up. The show is hosted by American Heritage Schools and the Lighthouse of Broward in Florida. The event is called Heroes. Heroes is a benefit auction and concert for the blind and visually impaired. Heroes will be featuring singer Mitch Franco. Mitch, along with American Heritage Schools CEO Dr. Douglas Laurie, and Lighthouse of Broward President and CEO Ellyn Drotzer join us to talk about the concert.    Note: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mitch Franco was not featured. Lighthouse of Broward Vice-President of Strategic Initiatives and Development Jose Lopez Masso is also featured, elaborating on the Heroes event.   For more info related to this week’s show, go to: https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/list-of-episodes-and-show-news/for-more-information-episode-342-heroes-a-benefit-concert-for-the-blind-and-visually-impaired