Speaking Out For The Blind

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

The Orientation Center for the Blind is located in Albany, California. OCB is operated by the California Department of Rehabilitation. The Center assists the State’s blind job seekers with acquiring some important skills. The skills help the students adjust to vision loss and receive the tools for getting their dream jobs. California Department of Rehabilitation’s Specialized Services Director Sue Pelbath is here to tell us about this special place.   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-341-orientation-center-for-the-blind   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

We’re going to Monterey, California. It’s just over an hour away from San Jose. It’s home to beautiful beaches, a large aquarium, and one of Forrest Gump’s favorite seafood restaurants. And there’s a special place in nearby Pacific Grove. The Blind & Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County. BVIC’s Executive Director Steven Macias joins us to explain how the center provides services for Monterey County’s visually impaired.   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-340-the-blind-visually-impaired-center-of-monterey-county   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

Mychamplainvalley.com reports that over fifty million people will be seeing this April’s solar eclipse. That includes the blind and visually impaired community. Harvard’s Center for Astrophysics Astronomer Allyson Bieryla has figured out one way to help the blind see and experience the wonder of the solar eclipse. That’s by turning light into sound. Allyson’s here to talk about how the innovative method has been realized.   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-339-the-blind-visually-impaired-and-the-solar-eclipse   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 th

Adam Morse is a blind film director. Deseret News says that Adam just recently directed the Google Javier In Frame ad for this year’s Super Bowl. Adam joins us to talk about the commercial and his path to filmmaking.   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-338-blind-film-director-adam-morse   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

The Herald News reports that John Oliviera didn’t let being visually impaired keep him from fulfilling his American Dream and living independently. Now John’s helping others do the same. He has a new role as the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind’s appointed Commissioner. John’s here to tell us all about his accomplishments and how he is speaking out.   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-337-john-oliviera   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 you

ACB Media’s very own American Council of the Blind’s 2024 Leadership Conference is just around the corner. Think of it as the mini convention leading up to ACB’s big conference and convention in Jacksonville, Florida this summer. Here to talk about the leadership conference is one of my all-time favorite guests: ACB President Deb Cook Lewis.   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-336-2024-acb-leadership-conference   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

Blind Tennis-_ _February 9th, 8PM Eastern (ACB Media 1) and repeats throughout the next seven days (go to https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/ for more details)   We’ve covered many adaptive sports for the blind and visually impaired on this show. They’ve ranged from golf to soccer. But what about tennis? Ah yes! Today’s topic is all about blind and low-vision tennis. ABC News Australia reports that the sport is growing in popularity with the blind and visually impaired. Joining us to talk about what makes blind tennis different from regular tennis is Blind Sports Australia Chief Executive Matt Clayton.   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-335-blind-tennis   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

Out-Of-Sight (updated)-_ _January 19th, 8PM Eastern (ACB Media 1) and repeats throughout the next seven days (go to https://speakingoutfortheblind.weebly.com/ for more details)   You may remember a previous episode where I covered Out-Of-Sight. Out-Of-Sight is a non-profit audio chat, learning, and gaming website made up of mainly blind and visually impaired members. Each week, the website provides several programs and events, including a book club, technical computer assistance, interactive games, and a live “On Stage” event, showcasing each of the members’ best talents. Informal, casual chat is also a notable part of Out-Of-Sight’s activities. Basically, Out-Of-Sight thinks of itself as a family with members who offer support, share information, knowledge, laughs, and simple fun times. Roger Khouri, an Out-Of-Sight member, returns to Speaking Out for the Blind to explain this special website. He’s also going to tell us about the website’s upcoming Sixteenth Birthday Celebration.   For more info related to t

Democracy Live is a leader in technology that allows blind and visually impaired voters to access and cast secure remote ballots during elections. Joining us to learn how this amazing technology works and how you might use it to vote for your favorite presidential candidates this year is Bryan Finney. Bryan is Democracy Live’s Founder and 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-333-democracy-live   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