ACB Focus: Advocacy

20250709 1430 Advocacy Bootcamp

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 02:30:00 -0000

20250709 1430 Advocacy Bootcamp Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2025, on ACB Media 2 Advocacy can look like a lot of things, there is no right or wrong way to do it. This session talked through the structure of our government to understand the various platforms in which to advocate through. Then, the discussion expanded 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.

20250708 1600 You May be Missing Out on Services for Seniors

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:51:00 -0000

20250708 1600 You May be Missing Out on Services for Seniors Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2025, on ACB Media 3 Benefits Counseling, Medicare Enrollment, Home Delivered Meals, Fall Prevention Exercises. These are just a sampling of the programs and services which may be available free in your community from a Senior Center or Area Agency on Aging. Participants joined AAVL and learned how they can find out where they are and if they are eligible. Facilitator: Doug Powell, AAVL President, Falls Church, VA Presenters: Fallon Finney, Program Manager, ADRC of Dallas County Dallas TX, Oliva Umoren, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, US Aging, Washington, DC, Donna Alexander, Director Access and Assistance, Dallas AAA, Community Council of Greater Dallas, Dallas TX, Renae Perry, COO The Senior source, Dallas TX, and Jasmine Kelley, the Wellmed Senior Center, Dallas, TX.

20250707 1300 The ABCs of Advocacy-Parts 1 and 2

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:08:00 -0000

20250707 1300 The ABCs of Advocacy-Parts 1 and 2 Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2025, on ACB Media Participants joined us for an interactive session exploring the fundamental principles of advocacy, what it is, why it matters, and how you can make an impact. Whether it's at the local, state, or national level, advocacy is a powerful tool for driving change. Through interactive discussions, small group collaborations, and role playing exercises, attendees gained practical strategies and confidence to amplify their voice. Co-sponsored by the ACB Advocacy Steering Committee and ACB Next Generation Presenters: Jeff Thom, Chair of ACB's Advocacy Steering Committee, Sacramento, CA and Koni Sims, ACB Board Member, Sioux Falls SD Facilitators: Aaron Espinoza, ACB Next Generation Advocacy Committee Chair, Bakersfield, CAand Amanda Selm, Immediate Past President, ACB Next Generation, Louisville, KY.

20250707 1300 The Supreme Court Term in Review

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:02:00 -0000

20250707 1300 The Supreme Court Term in Review Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2025, on ACB Media 3 Participants found out from St. Mary's University Law School professor about the significant decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2024-25 term and its work generally. Presenter: Professor Bill Piatt, San Antonio, Texas

20250706 1430 Issues in Immigration Today

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 14:52:00 -0000

20250706 1430 Issues in Immigration Today Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2025, on ACB Media 3 Participants heard from a lawyer with decades of experience about the host of matters affecting immigration into the U.S. Presenter: Oliver J. Langstadt, Miami, Florida Co-sponsored by AAVIA and IRC

20250706 1300 Are We Meeting the Needs of Seniors with Vision Loss

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 14:41:00 -0000

20250706 1300 Are We Meeting the Needs of Seniors with Vision Loss Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2025, on ACB Media 2 AAVL examined specialized services for blind or low vision seniors in Texas and looked more generally at innovative ways to bridge the enormous level of unmet needs in our nation for these services. What lessons can we learn from the Texas experience and what can we do to enhance services for our community. Facilitator: Jeff Thom, Immediate Past President, Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss, Sacramento CA. Presenters: Juanita Barker, Director of Blind Services, Texas Workforce Commission Dallas TX, Stacy Fuller, Vice-President Rehabilitation Services, Envision Inc.TX. Dallas TX, and Hannah Christenson, Director Community Services, Envision Inc. TX. Dallas TX.

20250706 0900 Update on Legislation

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 14:22:00 -0000

20250706 0900 Update on Legislation Originally Broadcasted July 6, 2025, on ACB Media 3 Participants joined ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Claire Stanley, as she provided a look at 2025 federal legislation of concern to people with vision loss. She covered not only those items in which ACB has been involved, but other legislative issues of concern to people with vision loss. Also, we urge attendees who are working on current legislation in their states to report on their progress. Presenter: Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Alexandria, VA. Facilitator: Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Steering Committee, Sacramento, CA.

20250626 1600 Update on Legal Advocacy Impacting People with Disabilities

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:21:00 -0000

20250626 1600 Update on Legal Advocacy Impacting People with Disabilities Originally Broadcasted June 26, 2025 on ACB Media 3 Participants learned about the legal landscape in what many on all sides of the political spectrum view as an unprecedented period in our history. Experts in disability advocacy law covered a spectrum of issues important to our community. Be prepared with your questions about the latest happenings in disability law. Panelists: Matthew Handley, Partner, Handley Farah and Anderson, Washington, DC, Rachel Weisberg, Supervising Attorney, Disability Rights Advocates, Chicago, IL, and Madeleine Reichman, Staff Attorney, Disability Rights Advocates, New York, NY Facilitators: Claire Stanley, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs, Alexandria, VA and Jeff Thom, ACB Advocacy Steering Committee Chair, Sacramento, CA

20240710 1430 To Advocate and Educate, The History of Activism in Jacksonville

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 21:02:00 -0000

20240710 1430 To Advocate and Educate, The History of Activism in Jacksonville Originally Broadcasted July 10, 2024, on ACB Media 3 Attendees continued with us on our odyssey through the history of Jacksonville. Participants interacted with a panel of diverse voices shaping the community of Jacksonville today, "the new, bold city of the south." Edited By: Mary Ann Grignon

20240710 1430 Advocacy Bootcamp 101

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 20:58:00 -0000

20240710 1430 Advocacy Bootcamp 101 Originally Broadcasted July 10, 2024, on ACB Media 2 This session explored how a person can advocate for themselves individually, or how a larger group can advocate at a local or national level to bring about widespread change. Advocacy can occur at an individual level, work to advance change in legislation, bring legal action, or bring together a whole community to amplify an issue. This session explored the numerous tactics and venues that can be used to advocate for change. Edited By: Mary Ann Grignon

20240710 0700 AFB Breakfast

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:57:00 -0000

20240710 0700 AFB Breakfast Originally Broadcasted July 10, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder Attendees joined the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) for our annual breakfast. Learn about the latest research impacting on our community and the success following the release of AFB's documentary film "Possibilities". AFB's President and CEO Eric Bridges was on hand to answer questions and share what's on the horizon for the coming year. Edited By: Doug Hunsinger

20240709 1430 Diabetes and Advocacy-American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Legislative Priorities for 2024

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 18:03:00 -0000

20240709 1430 Diabetes and Advocacy-American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Legislative Priorities for 2024 Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2024, on ACB Media 3 We shared their respective organizations legislative priorities for 2024, inclusive of what is being done to make durable medical equipment, DME, fully accessible. Attendees joined ACB Diabetics in Action for what promised to be a stimulating conversation about advocating for the rights of individuals living with diabetes and vision loss! Facilitator: Claire Stanley Virginia Presenters: Clarissa Kemp Senior Director of Policy from formally JDRF, now Breakthrough T1D, LYNN STARR Chief Global Advocacy Officer, JDRF Washington DC. Edited By: Larry Gassman

20240708 1300 Self-Advocacy at Work

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:34:00 -0000

20240708 1300 Self-Advocacy at Work Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2024, on ACB Media Zoom Recorder Through a mixture of presentation and guided role plays, attendees learned how to better communicate their needs and abilities to frazzled HR staff, techies, and overworked, under supported bosses. Edited By: Darcy Burnard

20240708 1030 Current Case Law on Issues Impacting People with Vision Loss

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:19:00 -0000

20240708 1030 Current Case Law on Issues Impacting People with Vision Loss Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2024, on ACB Media 3 Attendees joined a panel of disability rights attorneys as they discussed an array of issues from current case law that directly impacts the lives of people who are blind or have low vision. Participants were ready with questions about legal topics that relate specifically to people with vision loss. Edited By: John Gassman

20240708 0900 Bridging the Generational Gaps in Advocacy

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:09:00 -0000

20240708 0900 Bridging the Generational Gaps in Advocacy Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2024, on ACB Media 2 Intergenerational collaboration can lead to more inclusive and sustainable solutions by incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences. Attendees joined us as a generation-inclusive panel talked about their involvement with ACB, today's cultural/political climate, and how advocacy efforts might be adapted to incorporate these changes. During this session, NextGen leader Amanda selm and long-time ACB member Peter Altschul will engage in live conversations with ACB members who come from diverse backgrounds to gain a better understanding of their advocacy-related experiences and perspectives. Edited By: Mary Ann Grignon

20240708 0900 All Things Legislative

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:05:00 -0000

20240708 0900 All Things Legislative Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2024, on ACB Media 3 It is always a roller coaster ride when it comes to the world of federal legislation, and this year is no exception. Attendees joined ACB advocacy staff as they whirl us through the topsy-turvy landscape of federal legislation in 2024 as it relates to blindness and low vision. In addition, be ready to share any accomplishments that your affiliate had this year in working on state legislation. Edited By: Mary Ann Grignon

20240707 1430 The Supreme Court's Term in Review Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2024, on ACB Media 3

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 13:05:00 -0000

20240707 1430 The Supreme Court's Term in Review Originally Broadcasted July 7, 2024, on ACB Media 3 Attendees learned from St. Mary's University Law School professor about the significant decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court in its 2023-24 term and its work. Presenter: Prof. Bill Piatt, San Antonio, TX Edited By: Mary Ann Grignon

20240628 1100 Mission Accessibility in India

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 17:44:00 -0000

20240628 1100 Mission Accessibility in India Originally Broadcasted June 28, 2024, on ACB Media 4 Attendees learned how a grassroots ecosystem founded by blind attorneys is increasing accessibility one website, app, and tourist monument at a time in a country with one of the highest populations of blind people in the world. Find out how Mission Accessibility is making change happen. Receive lessons and tips to apply in your own advocacy. Presenter: Amar Jain, corporate attorney and Co-Founder, Mission Accessibility, Mumbai, India. Edited By: Regina Marie Brink

20240627 1700 P.R.E.P for Successful Networking

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:37:00 -0000

20240627 1700 P.R.E.P for Successful Networking Originally Broadcasted June 27, 2024, on ACB Media 3 Attendees joined Chris Peterson, Swatha Nandhakumar, and Dianna Leonard as they helped us prepare for any networking event. They guided us through an interactive P.R.E.P session to learn how to plan, research, navigate an event, and pursue leads. Then join us at our in-person event on July 6th to practice what you've P.R.E.P'd and where various affiliate and ACB committee members will attend to network with. Edited By: Doug Hunsinger

20230704 1600 A Conversation with Uber

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:35:38 -0000

20230704 1600 A Conversation with Uber

Join representatives from Uber to learn how they are improving the rideshare experience for passengers with disabilities, including service dog handlers. Moderated by Clark Rachfal, ACBs, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs.

20230702 1600 The Supreme Courts Term in Review-Featuring Bill Piat

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 02:30:00 -0000

20230702 1600 The Supreme Courts Term in Review-Featuring Bill Piat Originally Broadcasted July 2, 2023, on ACB Media 3 Edited By: Doug Hunsinger

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20230702 1600 Mental Health Advocacy Works

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 02:30:00 -0000

20230702 1600 Mental Health Advocacy Works Originally Broadcasted July 2, 2023, on ACB Media 4 How can you effectively advocate for your mental health needs? Who do you approach to help with your certain situation? Participants joined us as we had a discussion on how advocating for your mental health really works. Our guest shared valuable information that may help you in your day-to-day life. We can't expect others to know what we need. We must find a way to be proactive in advocating for ourselves. Edited By: Janet Ingber

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20230702 1030 Structured Negotiations and Legal Settlements-Are they effective enough and can we develop a better system for obtaining appropriate legal remedies for people with vision loss.

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0000

Episode Notes

20230702 1030 Structured Negotiations and Legal Settlements-Are they effective enough and can we develop a better system for obtaining appropriate legal remedies for people with vision loss. Originally Broadcasted July 2, 2023, on ACB Media 4 A panel of legal experts discussed whether current legal settlements and decisions are providing people who are blind or low vision with appropriate legal redress and whether it is possible to seek changes in the way we approach our civil rights litigation. Edited By: Brian McCallen

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20230702 0900 Update on Legal Issues Impacting People who are Blind or have Low Vision

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 02:00:00 -0000

20230702 0900 Update on Legal Issues Impacting People who are Blind or have Low Vision Originally Broadcasted July 2, 2023, on ACB Media 4 Participants joined a panel of legal experts who updated us on a wide range of recent legal decisions impacting the lives of people who are blind or have low vision. Edited By: Larry Gassman

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20230704 1300 IVIE-Session I-Learning About IRS Accessibility Services-Session II-Link Up with The All New APH CareerConnect-Inform,

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0000

20230704 1300 IVIE-Session I-Learning About IRS Accessibility Services-Session II-Link Up with The All New APH CareerConnect-Inform, Empower, Impact Originally Broadcasted July 4, 2023, on ACB Media 3 Participants joined us for a discussion about all the ways that the IRS is improving access to information for people with print disabilities. We told you how to request access to notices in your preferred alternate format as well as how to get accessible tax forms and publications. Kim Carmichael, Senior Distribution Analyst, IRS, Talladega, AL. Edited By: Tim Cumings

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20230704 0700 AFB Breakfast

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0000

20230704 0700 AFB Breakfast Originally Broadcasted July 4, 2023, on ACB Media Participants joined the American Foundation for the Blind at its annual breakfast, where guests learned what's on the horizon for AFB and had an opportunity to meet with its new President and CEO Eric Bridges. Edited By: Doug Hunsinger

Find out more at https://acb-focus-advocacy.pinecast.co

20230703 1300 Accessible Documents Provided by the IRS

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0000

20230703 1300 Accessible Documents Provided by the IRS ** Originally Broadcasted July 3, 2023, on ACB Media Edited By: Doug Hunsinger**

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20230703 1430 An Overview of Equipped for Equalities Work under the ADA for those who are Blind or have Low Vision

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0000

20230703 1430 An Overview of Equipped for Equalities Work under the ADA for those who are Blind or have Low Vision Originally Broadcasted July 3, 2023, on ACB Media Participants heard about cases Equipped for Equality has handled on behalf of people who are visually impaired. Edited By: Doug Hunsinger

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20230703 1430 Advocate for Yourself Any Place, Any Time, and Any Situation

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0000

20230703 1430 Advocate for Yourself Any Place, Any Time, and Any Situation Originally Broadcasted July 3, 2023, on ACB Media Did you know that you are already advocating? Every small conversation about blindness or asking for accessible items you are advocating. Participants joined us to hear a little bit more on how to advocate with a guide dog, traveling alone, and daily life and work areas. You too can be an advocate for yourself and others in this community. Edited By: Tim Cumings

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20230701 1300 First They Came For-Why Dont Say Gay Affects All of Us

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 05:45:00 -0000

20230701 1300 First They Came For-Why Dont Say Gay Affects All of Us Originally Broadcasted July 1, 2023, on ACB Media As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is introduced and passed around the United States we examined how this has affected our community and the larger implications for all of our bodily autonomy rights, our individual freedoms and how the slippery side will make it easier to come for Disability rights. Edited By: Doug Hunsinger

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20230624 1130 Overcoming common pitfalls and Tools to assist in Finding Gaps in Web Accessibility

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0000

20230624 1130 Overcoming common pitfalls and Tools to assist in Finding Gaps in Web Accessibility Originally Broadcasted June 24, 2023, on ACB Media 3 This session defined common pitfalls seen on the web when using a screen reader with potential solutions, made sense of web accessibility problems from an end-user perspective, reviewed free tools to provide data to companies, Summarized the problem, told real-world stories to companies, Shared data, and followed-up, including resources Follow-up training and engagement. Edited By: Larry Gassman

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20230623 1130 Identifying Web Accessibility Standards, Principles and Guidelines

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 14:30:00 -0000

20230623 1130 Identifying Web Accessibility Standards, Principles and Guidelines Originally Broadcasted June 23, 2023, on ACB Media 3 An introduction to WCAG - What is it? Define the basics of WCAG principles (P.O.U.R) Define common web accessibility gaps on web sites and how to identify them How do we speak to developers and companies as it relates to WCAG if we are not an engineer Resources and additional information on WCAG! Edited By: Larry Gassman

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20230622 1430 What is Advocacy

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 14:05:00 -0000

20230622 1430 What is Advocacy Originally Broadcasted June 22, 2023, on ACB Media 4 Participants joined us to define advocacy. We shared all the different ways that you can advocate. Listeners heard from each of our panelists for the next two sessions as they shared one tip for you. Edited By: Darcy Burnard

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20230622 1130 The CVTA Explained

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 13:15:00 -0000

20230622 1130 The CVTA Explained Originally Broadcasted June 22, 2023, on ACB Media 2 The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA) would update existing regulations to ensure better and easier access to a variety of technology for people. who are blind, low vision, or Deaf-Blind. Panelists discussed the writing of the bill and what improvements it promises. Moderator: Kim Charlson, Co-Chair, ACB Audio Description Project Steering Committee, and Co-Chair, FCC Disability Advisory Committee, Watertown, MA Edited By: Brian McCallen

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20230622 1130 Web Accessibility, Defining the Problem

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 13:10:00 -0000

20230622 1130 Web Accessibility, Defining the Problem Originally Broadcasted June 22, 2023, on ACB Media 4 What is web accessibility and why is it important? Attendees shared real-life testimonies of the lack of accessibility and the impact on people's lives. What has ACB done for web accessibility and why are we truly here? Understanding the digital divide of web accessibility from a legal and end user perspective Edited By: Larry Gassman

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20220706 Making Sense of the Census

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:22:42 -0000

20220706 Making Sense of the Census Originally Aired July 6, 2022, on ACB Media ** It is a once-in-a-decade event! The 1950 Census is here, and it includes cousins, neighbors, aunts and uncles, grandparents - even family friends! They are all waiting to be discovered, and many will be people you know. Every ten years the United States conducts a census, and 72 years after the census date it becomes public. Packed with family information and details. Attendees were encouraged to get on the road to discovery. Edited By: Brian McCallen**

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20220704 Unravelling Advocacy for Vision Rehabilitation Services

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 00:08:00 -0000

20220704 Unravelling Advocacy for Vision Rehabilitation Services Originally Aired July 4, 2022, on ACB Media

Attendees explored innovative advocacy efforts wherein states can obtain funding under the Medicaid "Older Individuals who are Blind" program. This program provides an array of vision rehabilitation services; however, funding is extremely limited. Participants learned how to utilize the Older Individuals who are Blind and Medicaid programs. Presented by Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss and the Rehabilitation Issues Taskforce

Edited By: Douglas Hunsinger

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20220703 A Conversation with the World Blind Union CEO, Marc Workman

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 01:30:44 -0000

20220703 A Conversation with the World Blind Union CEO, Marc Workman Originally Aired July 3, 2022, on ACB Media Mr. Workman spoke at Sunday morning's General Session. This was a great opportunity to hear from and talk with him directly in a smaller, more intimate setting. Participants learned about the challenges and opportunities facing blind people around the world and lessons we can apply in the United States. Presenter: Marc Workman, Chief Executive Officer, World Blind Union, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Co-Sponsored by IRC and MCAC. Edited By: Regina Marie

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20220702 Civil Rights Panel

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 02:14:43 -0000

20220702 Civil Rights Panel Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media We discussed recent achievements, ongoing legal efforts, current risks, and opportunities in the courts concerning issues of importance to members of ACB. Edited By: John Gassman

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20220702 Blind Activism and Advocacy Panel

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 00:58:49 -0000

20220702 Blind Activism and Advocacy Panel Originally Aired July 2, 2022, on ACB Media Attendees joined ACB Students for our panel on blind activism and advocacy with blind life coach Charlie Kramer and blind video editor, producer, and podcaster Lance Johnson! Participants learned just how beautiful self-advocacy can be. Charlie and Lance will discuss their life experiences, outlooks on blindness, and advice for blind students with us. Edited By: Tony Swartz

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20220623 Update on TV Broadcast and Cable Networks and the CVAA

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 14:05:20 -0000

20220623 Update on TV Broadcast and Cable Networks and the CVAA Originally Aired June 23, 2022, on ACB Media

The Audio Description Project had panelists from the broadcast networks and cable networks to give an update on the status of their offerings for audio description. We also had an update on the status of the 21st Century Video Accessibility Act (CVAA)

Edited By: Douglas Hunsinger

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20220623 Nothing About Us Without Us

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 22:04:28 -0000

20220623 Nothing About Us Without Us Originally Aired June 23, 2022, on ACB Media

Blind Consultants Involvement in Creating Audio Description

Edited By: Douglas Hunsinger

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