Episode Description

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Clark and Swatha, along with guest Tom Tobin discuss the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act (H.R. 4853). We talk about how requiring medical device accessibility will enable people who are blind and experiencing vision loss to take control of their health. ACB urges all of our members and friends to contact their members of Congress in support of H.R. 4853.

ACB Supports the Exercise and Fitness for All Act Aug 19, 2021

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Episode Description

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Clark and Swatha discuss the reintroduction of the Exercise and Fitness for All Act (H.R. 4756/S. 2504) with guest Sheila Styron, ACB’s Transportation Committee Chair. We share the details of this important legislation, how it relates to ACB’s Get Up and Get Moving campaign, and urge all ACB members and friends to contact their members of Congress in support of the Exercise and Fitness for All Act.

Newly Elected ACB Officer and Board Members Aug 12, 2021

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Episode Description

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Swatha and Clark speak with the ACB officer and board members who were newly elected in ACB’s first-ever virtual elections this July. Joining them for the conversation are ACB First Vice President Deb Cook Lewis, and Board Members Koni Sims, Kenneth Semien, and Chris Bell. Our guests share what drew them to ACB, their personal advocacy experience, and why they are excited to take on their new roles.

Audio Description and Streaming Services: Part 2 Aug 09, 2021

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Episode Description

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, we feature the second installment of a panel discussion from the ACB Conference and Convention. Carl Richardson, co-Chair of ACB’s Audio Description Project speaks with representatives from major streaming services to discuss their product’s, programming, services, and offerings. Featured guests include: Melanie Goodman, HULU; Martha Heller, Viacom CBS, Paramount+; Sarah Herrlinger, Apple, TV+; Daniel Kocmarek, Sr., Amazon, Prime Video; Mirka Pavlikova, Walt Disney Studios, Disney+; Allison Smith, Netflix; Andy Larkin, HBO Max; & Thomas Wlodkowski, Comcast, Peacock.

If you enjoy the ACB Advocacy Update, please consider becoming a member and donating to support our initiatives, like the Audio Description Project.

Audio Description and Streaming Services, Part 1 of 2 Jul 29, 2021

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Episode Notes

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, we feature the first installment of a panel discussion from the ACB Conference and Convention. Carl Richardson, co-Chair of ACB’s Audio Description Project speaks with representatives from major streaming services to discuss their product’s, programming, services, and offerings. Featured guests include: Melanie Goodman, HULU; Martha Heller, Viacom CBS, Paramount+; Sarah Herrlinger, Apple, TV+; Daniel Kocmarek, Sr., Amazon, Prime Video; Mirka Pavlikova, Walt Disney Studios, Disney+; Allison Smith, Netflix; Andy Larkin, HBO Max; & Thomas Wlodkowski, Comcast, Peacock.

If you enjoy the ACB Advocacy Update, please consider becoming a member and donating to support our initiatives, like the Audio Description Project.

ACB 60th Anniversary Jul 16, 2021

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Episode Description

Help us celebrate this milestone, as we launch a goal to raise $60,000 for 60 years of success: what we are calling our $60k for 60 Campaign. Since our founding in 1961, ACB continues to strive to make an impact with important advocacy efforts and value to our community. We continue to fight for not only accessibility but pushing forward equality, diversity, and inclusion for all of those living with vision loss across the country. Of course, we could not do this work alone and we are extremely thankful for all of our members, partners, and stakeholders for their support.

The $60k for 60 Campaign will run through July 6, 2022. Help us to meet our goal by making a contribution today for success for generations to come. Donate today at https://bit.ly/3dhK0Wz.

Convention Health & Wellness Track and Get Up & Get Moving Jul 09, 2021

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Episode Description

On this edition of the ACB Advocacy Update, Clark and Swatha highlight the Health & Wellness Track of programming at the 2021 ACB Conference and Convention. Integral to the Health and Wellness Track is the launch of the ACB Get Up & Get Moving campaign on Saturday, July 17. Joining us to discuss the Get Up & Get Moving campaign, and the plethora of sessions included in the Health and Wellness Track this year, are Tom Tobin, Chair of the Get Up & Get Moving Steering Committee, and Leslie Spoone and Terry Suarez, co-Chairs of the Get Up & Get Moving Public Awareness Committee. Registration for the ACB Conference and Convention re-opens on Wednesday, July 14. To join us and be a part of the conversation at this year’s conference and convention, please visit: www.acbconvention.org.

Convention Entertainment Track Jul 01, 2021

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Episode Description

Join ACB’s advocacy team, Clark and Swatha, as they highlight the entertainment track of the 2021 ACB Conference and Convention. Whether in-person or virtual, the ACB Conference and Convention is an opportunity for family and community to come together in a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment. Also participating in this conversation are ACB’s President, Dan Spoone, and ACB’s Convention Coordinator, Janet Dickelman, and we want you to join us for this year’s conference and convention!

To learn more about the 2021 Convention, visit: https://acbconvention.org.

ACB Advocacy Update: ACB Conference and Convention Technology Track Jun 24, 2021

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Episode Description

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Clark and Swatha preview the Technology Track of programming for the 2021 ACB Conference and Convention. They are joined by Jeff Bishop, Chair of ACB’s Information Access Committee. To register and join the conversation at the ACB Conference and Convention, please visit: www.acbconvention.org. Registration closes this Monday, June 28th, so make sure to register soon!

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Convention Track Jun 17, 2021

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Episode Description

On this episode of the ACB Advocacy Update, Clark and Swatha highlight the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion track of programming at the 2021 ACB Conference and Convention. We are joined by Peggy Garret, Chair of ACB’s Multicultural Affairs Committee, and Gabriel Lopez Kafati, President of Blind LGBTQ Pride International. To join us and learn more about this year’s ACB Conference and Convention, please visit: www.acbconvention.org.