Next Up With NextGen

A Recap of the 2026 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

Sun, 31 May 2026 03:10:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we feature a recording from a recent NextGen program recapping the 2026 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference held in Anaheim, California back in March. Four panelists who attended the event talked about the sessions they attended, the exhibit hall, and the latest assistive technology devices and companies who design products and services for the blind and visually impaired. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

Episode Notes

Notes go here

Discussing the 2026 ACB DC Leadership Conference

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 03:27:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we discuss the 2026 ACB DC Leadership Conference with two members of ACB Next Generation - Moe Carpenter and Raheel Ahmed. They talked about their biggest takeaways from attending the conference in person in Washington D.C. and what it was like advocating for laws that impact the blind community on Capitol Hill. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

Learning about VIP Coaching in the Dark

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 02:45:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we feature a recording from a previous Tuesday Night Huddle event. Members of the VIP Coaching in the Dark team join the conversation to talk about their backgrounds, why they started this unique company, what it offers for the blind and visually impaired, how services can be tailored to each client, as well as some insightful Q&A discussions with the audience on a variety of blindness issues. Learn more about VIP Coaching in the Dark at http://vipcoachinginthedark.com. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

Job Interviews for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 04:07:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we feature a recording from a previous Tuesday Night Huddle event. The topic is job interviews with a focus on tips and tricks for candidates who are blind or visually impaired. The presenter for this event is Moe Carpenter, ACB NextGen’s Treasurer. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

Spams and Scams and How to Avoid Them

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 18:45:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we feature a recording from a previous Tuesday Night Huddle event. The topic is spams and scams and how to avoid some of the most common scams out there, especially as someone who is blind or visually impaired. The presenters for this event are Moe Carpenter, ACB NextGen’s Treasurer, and Vika Trussell, Chair of ACB NextGen’s PR Committee. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired membersbetween the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/.The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

The Job Search for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 23:50:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we feature a recording from a previous Tuesday Night Huddle event. The topic is the Job Search for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Presenter Sara Freeman Smith, a longtime human resources professional and author who is blind, covered a wide range of practical topics related to searching for a job, creating resumes and cover letters, the job interview process, finding a salary breakdown based on one’s experience, and accessibility tools and resources to make the job search more accessible for those in the blind and low vision community.Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired membersbetween the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/.The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

Notetaking Tips and Tricks for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 02:10:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we feature a recording from a previous Tuesday Night Huddle event. The topic is Notetaking for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The panelists covered how to effectively and easily create an agenda for a meeting. They provided several helpful tips and tricks on note taking on a computer using Microsoft Word or in the body of an email, using the Notes app on the iPhone, AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot, and Google Gemini, and transcribing Zoom meetings or other audio. They also discussed the accessibility of these tools from the standpoint of a screen reader user. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

NextGen Members Recap Their 2025 ACB Conference and Convention Experiences

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 03:05:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we look back on the 2025 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention held virtually in late June of 2025 and in a hybrid format in Dallas, TX and virtually from July 4-11, 2025. Several NextGen members join the conversation to speak about their convention experiences, what they learned from some of the sessions, and what they enjoyed most about the whole event. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

Bridging the Language Gap as a Blind or Visually Impaired Individual

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 01:42:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we feature a recording from a previous Tuesday Night Huddle event. The topic is Bridging the Language Gap as a blind and visually impaired individual when dealing with rideshare drivers or others who might be trying to help us out in the community. The panelists include members of the ACB Multicultural Affairs Committee. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

Recapping the 2025 ACB DC Leadership Conference with Two NextGen Members

Wed, 07 May 2025 02:30:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we discuss the 2025 American Council of the Blind DC Leadership Conference. Two members who attended – Joey Couch (in person) and Danielle Stevens (virtually) – talked about their biggest takeaways from the event and why they would recommend others attend in the future. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

Celebrating ACB Next Generation's 5th Birthday

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 21:30:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we celebrate ACB Next Generation's fifth birthday, which occurred in February of 2025. We feature a discussion with five leaders serving in various capacities of the affiliate. These include Kristen Kelling, Michael Babcock, Vika Trussell, Gregg "Triple G" Wandsneider, and Justin Graben. They reflect on the last few years of ACB NextGen, speak about their involvement in the organization and current duties, and look ahead to the future.

Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

Positive Affirmations and Gratitude

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 02:48:00 -0000

In this episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from the NextGen education program on positive affirmations and gratitude held in January of 2025. Panelists Amanda Selm and Pam Shaw offered up some valuable tips, tricks, and strategies on staying positive and being grateful. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

An Overview of RaiseRight, a Gift Card Fundraising Platform

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 22:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from the NextGen education program on RaiseRight held in November of 2024. Several NextGen members from the Programs and Fundraising Committees discussed the website and app RaiseRight, how to register for an account and purchase gift cards, and some accessibility challenges and helpful hints on overcoming them to navigate the platform with a screen reader. Learn more about RaiseRight at https://www.raiseright.com/. To connect with ACB Next Generation on RaiseRight, email fundraising@acbnextgeneration.org. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by the Publications Committee and ACB Media.

Demonstrating the Clubhouse App with Accessibility in Mind

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:22:47 -0000

In this episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from the NextGen education program on Clubhouse held in August of 2024. Several NextGen members discussed how to create rooms both inside and outside of a house on Clubhouse, as well as using the Clubhouse app on an iPhone with VoiceOver and Clubdeck on the PC with JAWS.

Discussing Sports and Recreation for the Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 19:27:37 -0000

Summary: In this episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a discussion on sports and recreation activities for the blind and visually impaired. NextGen members Greg Lindberg, Liz Bottner, Lindsey LaVere, and Amber Grant join the conversation to talk about blind hockey, adaptive running, adaptive dance, blind bowling, beep baseball, adaptive rock climbing, and other activities.

Check out the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) website at USABA.ORG.
Learn more about Achilles International for adaptive running and cycling at http://achillesinternational.org.
Check out the USA Hockey page on disabled hockey at https://www.usahockey.com/disabledhockey.
Visit the National Beep Baseball Association (NBBA) website at http://nbba.org. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice of the podcast is Michael Babcock, and the podcast is edited by ACB Media.

Discussing the 2024 ACB Conference and Convention

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 13:07:17 -0000

In this episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a discussion on the 2024 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention held virtually and in Jacksonville, FL during the summer of 2024. Five NextGen members spoke about their experience attending the hybrid convention, including Vika Trussell, Aaron Espinosa, Kristen Kelling, Moe Carpenter, and Hindley Williams.

The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

Discussing Debate and Resolutions with Robert's Rules in Mind

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 02:06:19 -0000

In this episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from the May 2024 NextGen education event on debate, resolutions, and the concepts of point of order, point of information, and point of clarification in Robert’s Rules. The panelists for this event were Matt Selm, John McCann, and Pat Sheehan. The event was facilitated by Amanda Selm and presented by the NextGen Programs Committee.

The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

A Discussion on the 2024 ACB DC Leadership Conference with NextGen Members

Mon, 06 May 2024 21:01:44 -0000

In this episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a discussion on the 2024 ACB DC Leadership Conference. Six NextGen members shared their experiences and biggest takeaways from attending this conference either virtually or in person. The members included Janeen Lea, Danielle Stevens, Niral Sheth, Michael Babcock, Greg Lindberg, and Aaron Espinosa. The facilitator of this episode was Amber Grant. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

AI Tools and Their Accessibility for Blind and Low Vision Users

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:48:46 -0000

In this episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from a recent NextGen education event put on by the Programs Committee. The facilitators of this event were Vika Trussell and Shane Aguilera. They discussed several AI tools and their accessibility for blind and low vision users. These include tools like Be My AI, Seeing AI, ChatGPT, and ElevenLabs. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

Navigating Paratransit with Rideshare Services

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 01:38:32 -0000

In this episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from the January 2024 ACB NextGen education event. This event was presented by the NextGen Advocacy Committee which is chaired by Aaron Espinosa.

The topic of this event is “Navigating Paratransit with Rideshare Services” and features four panelists from the ACB community – Claire Stanley, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs at ACB; Patrick Sheehan, Ardis Bazyn, and Sheila Styron. They talked about how several paratransit agencies from around the country have started contracting with rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to provide more transportation options to local residents.

Discussing Reiki with Nick Silver, a Blind Licensed Massage Therapist

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 04:02:22 -0000

In this episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from a recent education event put on by the NextGen Programs Committee. The guest speaker for this event was Nick Silver of St. Louis, MO, a blind licensed massage therapist and reiki practitioner who has been practicing in the massage therapy field for 12 years. He runs the Human Repair Shop. Nick talked about the practice of reiki and its many benefits to blind and visually impaired individuals and the general population at large. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. 

The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

Discussing Mental Health and Wellness at the Holidays

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 09:42:00 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we feature a recording from a recent NextGen education program put on by the Programs Committee. Two members of the ACB Mental Health and Wellness Committee, Pam Shaw and Lynn Schneider, serve as panelists for this informative event to discuss maintaining one’s mental health and wellness during the holidays. The co-facilitators of the event are Amanda Selm and William Belina. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

The Parent Trap: Balancing Parenthood with Involvement in Volunteer Organizations

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 22:41:09 -0000

In this episode of Next Up with NextGen, we feature a roundtable discussion with four visually impaired parents on how they effectively balance parenthood with their involvement in volunteer-based organizations, such as the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and ACB Next Generation. Facilitated by NextGen president Amanda Selm, the panelists are Rebecca Bridges, Chris Peterson, Megan Meigs, and Matt Selm. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

Advocacy Series: Part 3 – Advocating at the Local, State, & National Levels

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 01:16:00 -0000

Summary: In Episode 6 of the NextUp with NextGen podcast, we feature the third and final part of our Advocacy Series events. Held in July of 2023, this event focused on taking the next step in getting involved in advocacy. We were privileged to have Swatha Nandhakumar, the advocacy and governmental affairs specialist for the American Council of the Blind, and James Edwards, a longtime advocate who has served in various government roles both professionally and through ACB, speak about their unique roles in advocacy. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

ACB History 101: Looking back at the history of the American Council of the Blind

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 07:43:00 -0000

In Episode 5 of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from a recent education event put on by the ACB NextGen Programs Committee. Held in August of 2023, the event was titled “ACB History 101.” It features panelists Mitch Pomerantz, former president of the American Council of the Blind, and Carla Ruschival, former treasurer of ACB. Both have been involved in ACB for several decades and have held numerous roles in addition to their officer positions. The two discussed the history of ACB, its early days, conventions and decisions of note within the organization, and where they think ACB is headed in the future. The facilitator of this event was Kristen Kelling along with members of the Programs Committee. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

Episode Notes

Notes go here

Part 2 of the Notetaking 101 Series: Focusing on Technology

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:53:29 -0000

In Episode 4 of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from Part 2 of the Notetaking 101 educational event series put on by the ACB Next Generation Programs Committee in October of 2022. The panelists for this event were Maria Kristic, the current treasurer of NextGen, and Greg Lindberg, the current Publications Committee Chair of NextGen who was serving as secretary of the affiliate at the time. They discussed a variety of notetaking tips and tricks for use in the workplace, for school, or for a volunteer organization like ACB with a focus on Braille displays, laptops, and screen readers. The facilitators of this event were Kristen Kelling and Merisa Musemic, both of whom were members of the Programs Committee at the time. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

Part 1 of the Notetaking 101 Series

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 00:46:41 -0000

In Episode 3 of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from Part 1 of the Notetaking 101 educational event series put on by the ACB Next Generation Programs Committee in August of 2022. The panelists for this event were Melanie Sinohui, the current second vice president of NextGen, and Ray Campbell, who was the second vice president of ACB at the time. They discussed a variety of notetaking tips and tricks for use in the workplace, for school, or for a volunteer organization like ACB. The facilitators of this event were Kristen Kelling, Merisa Musemic, and Vika Trussell, all of whom were members of the Programs Committee at the time. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

Highlighting Brenda Dillon and the ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 14:07:12 -0000

In this episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from an ACB Next Generation educational event held in the spring of 2022. During this event, panelists Donna Brown and Leslie Spoone reflect on the life of Brenda Dillon and speak about the ACB Brenda Dillon Memorial Walk. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.

Reflecting on the Early Days of ACB Next Generation with the Original Steering Committee

Tue, 02 May 2023 02:30:43 -0000

In the inaugural episode of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we reflect on the early days of ACB Next Generation with the five original members of the Steering Committee. These include Amanda and Matt Selm, Maria Kristic, Greg Lindberg, and Lisa Cushman. The facilitator for this episode is Amber Grant. Learn more about ACB Next Generation, a special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind geared toward blind and visually impaired members between the ages of 18 and 40, at http://acbnextgeneration.org/. The theme music for the Next Up with NextGen podcast was produced by Shane Aguilera. The voice and editor of the podcast is Michael Babcock.