ACB Focus: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
American Council of the Blind, Inc.

20230704 1600 Conversation with World Blind Union President, Martine Abel-Williamson

Originally Broadcasted July 4, 2023, on ACB Media 3

September 1, 2023

20230704 1600 Conversation with World Blind Union President, Martine Abel-Williamson Originally Broadcasted July 4, 2023, on ACB Media 3 In addition to her role as World Blind Union President, Ms. Abel-Williamson is involved with several disability-related organizations in New Zealand and serves on the board of the Accessible Books Consortium, an initiative led by the World Intellectual Property Organization. She spoke at Tuesday morning's general session, and here was a great opportunity to hear from and talk with her directly in a smaller, more intimate setting. Presenter: Martine Abel-Williamson, President, World Blind Union, Auckland, New Zealand. Co-sponsored by IRC and MCAC. Edited By:  Larry Gassman

20230704 1300 A Perspective from the UK Originally Broadcasted July 4, 2023, on ACB Media

September 1, 2023

20230704 1300 A Perspective from the UK   ** Originally Broadcasted July 4, 2023, on ACB Media Edited By:  Doug Hunsinger**

20230624 1000 Who Are You-Blind, Queer, they and other identifiers.

Originally Broadcasted June 24, 2023, on ACB Media 4

August 21, 2023

IMPORTANT * This podcast contains information that is particular to the LGBT+ community and contains mature content. Listener discretion is advised. *

There have never been so many ways to identify yourself, or for others to identify themselves as right now. But which words do you use to refer to others? and how do you know you're using the right words? This panel explored self-identifiers and their effect on disability, GLBTQIA+ and other communities/cultures. The purpose of this panel was not to provide definitive answers, but rather to lay the foundation for attendees to start exploring these ideas. Whether you are deeply involved with these communities or are looking to learn how to be a good ally, this panel gave listeners something to think about.

Edited By: Doug Hunsinger

20230623 1000 Toward a World with Zero Barriers with Zero Project

Originally Broadcasted June 23, 2023, on ACB Media 3

August 20, 2023

20230623 1000 Toward a World with Zero Barriers with Zero Project Originally Broadcasted June 23, 2023, on ACB Media 3 In partnership with the United Nations, in Vienna, the Zero Project, an initiative of Essl Foundation, finds and shares innovative solutions worldwide that improve the daily lives and legal rights of all persons with disabilities. Participants learned about their exciting work and how they can get involved! Presenters: Robin Tim Weis, Director, International Affairs, Zero Project Vienna, Austria Sumita Kunashakaran, Manager, Civil Society, Zero Project, Vienna, Austria Michael Fembek, CEO, Zero Project, Vienna, Austria Zero Project awardee. Edited By:  Brian McCallen

20230622 1300 The Continuous Rise of Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism-The Situation and Solutions

Originally Broadcasted June 22, 2023, on ACB Media 4

August 20, 2023

20230622 1300 The Continuous Rise of Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism-The Situation and Solutions Originally Broadcasted June 22, 2023, on ACB Media 4 This workshop gave statistics from the Anti-Defamation League. Solutions were offered and events on college campuses were discussed. Everyone was welcome. Edited By:  Michael Babcock

20220706 A Candid Conversation about a Critical Concept

Originally Aired July 6, 2022, on ACB Media

October 5, 2022

20220706 A Candid Conversation about a Critical Concept Originally Aired July 6, 2022, on ACB Media As we move toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in ACB, this panel discussed the tenants of Critical Race Theory. CRT, what it is, what it isn't and other terms. Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220706 MCAC Virtual Luncheon

Originally Aired July 6, 2022, on ACB Media

October 5, 2022

20220706 MCAC Virtual Luncheon Originally Aired July 6, 2022, on ACB Media Participants heard from a local speaker about Nebraska's history and culture. AS MCAC's theme  is one community coming together in ACBs expresses our aspiration for a community that is inclusive of all, this session presented a perspective of local communities. Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220704 Social Justice and Identity Based Training

Originally Aired July 4, 2022, on ACB Media

October 4, 2022

20220704 Social Justice and Identity Based Training Originally Aired July 4, 2022, on ACB Media

Attendees joined ACB Students for a transformative social justice training and learning experience. Participants met other blind students, engaged in self-empowering and discovery activities. Participants learned about how important and impactful the identity of blindness can be for all of us! The session provided us tips on advocating for ourselves, finding self-confidence, and dealing with the difficulties of blindness!

Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220704 Voices from Around the World - A Tapestry of Stories - Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success in the US

Originally Aired July 4, 2022, on ACB Media

October 4, 2022

20220704 Voices from Around the World - A Tapestry of Stories - Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success in the US Originally Aired July 4, 2022, on ACB Media

We all know how difficult it can be to find successful employment as people who are blind or low vision. Attendees heard from a group of panelists who have achieved success, with the additional layer of being immigrants. Participants were motivated and inspired by their stories! Presenters: Aditi Shah, Senior Data and Applied Scientist, Microsoft, Redmond, WA Merisa Musemic, Interpreter, Language Line Solutions, Sterling Heights, MI Gabriel Lopez Kafati, Access Resource Advisor, Miami Dade College, Miami, FL

Edited By: Brian McCallen

20220625 Sister Power Happy Hour

Originally Aired June 25, 2022, on ACB Media

August 24, 2022

20220625 Sister Power Happy Hour Originally Aired June 25, 2022, on ACB Media

Edited By: Michael Moran