Episode Notes

This week Anthony and crew welcome a panel of Sunday Edition regulars to tackle the subject and identify our strengths and weaknesses in this area. “Sight-lings” and “Blinkers” are terms I have heard too often in our community are they and other terms and opinions actually counter-productive to the goal of making the world at large more inclusive of our community. We will also examine the lexicon of language and how the words we use either reinforce our mission or create roadblocks Our Panelists include; Paul Edwards, Cheryl Cumings, Debbie Grubb, Kenneth Semien, Jane Toleno, Penny Reader and the most important ones, YOU, (the audience) our ACB Membership!

Questions or comments for the show can be sent to: [email protected]

Episode Notes

This week Anthony, Brynn and crew welcome Tristan and Richard of Imagination Storybooks to discuss their mission, vision and passion for making great stories as rich and robust as possible for the kids of our community. 

Richard Rieman and Tristan Snyder are part of the team behind Imagination Storybooks, a multi-award-winning non-profit that creates fully accessible children’s books from illustrated children’s books in audio and video formats. Imagination Storybooks creates audio narration of the story, then adds vivid audio descriptions of the illustrations. In the video versions, they then add captions and American Sign Language. Then they create Braille versions of the story with the image descriptions for deaf blind people.

Richard is the founder of the company, and Tristan is the executive producer and head of audio.

Bios:

Richard Rieman wanted to be Superman, but he couldn’t fly, so he decided to be Clark Kent instead. After a long career as a radio news reporter, anchor and a Washington Bureau Chief, Richard turned his storytelling skills to the world of audio books. He has narrated and produced hundreds of indie published audio books, and is the author of the award-winning book, “The Author’s Guide to Audio Book Creation.” Richard was a volunteer narrator for Learning Ally as well as being a ski guide for blind skiers. Combining both interests, Richard created the non-profit Imagination Storybooks to make children’s illustrated books accessible to all children.

Tristan Snyder is a multi-award-winning voice talent, director and audio producer. Upon joining the Screen Actors Guild and discovering multiple Chris Snyders, he realized that like the Highlander, there could only be one, so he changed his name. Tristan has worked in the Audio Description industry for over 20 years in every aspect of the field, and has narrated and produced thousands of hours of audio description in TV and film. He is a character voice actor for animation and audio drama, and has written and produced full cast audio dramas as well. He is currently the executive producer and head of audio for Imagination Storybooks, a non-profit which creates described audio books from children’s illustrated books. He advocates for, and practices the hiring and inclusion of blind and visually impaired talent in the audio production industry.

Then in our second hour we welcome community karaoke star and podcast  producer; JC and friends!!

The creative team behind:

Visioncast is about the latest technology news from the blind incited sides of the world. Will even have some reviews, and as well a special guest from time to time.

Interaction via email social media and other means of communication is strongly encouraged. We hope you enjoy this new podcast!

Team Members:

Juan Alicea, Phil Ramirez, Denny Jackson, aka H-Streets, Eduardo Gonzalez, aka EJ the Phoenix, Stacey Paulson, AKA Crazy Stacey 25,  George Banner, Nora Thielking, and Preston Gaylor.

Episode Notes

This week in our first hour Kony Simms and friends join Anthony and the Sunday Edition crew to fill us in on voting changes and procedures for this coming convention. Then in our second hour new team member Tabitha shares her journey to the new ADP Coordinator as we get to know her a little. Kolby and Jo Lynn will fill us in on their changing roles in ACB and how the new structure of Development will help Shepard ACB through our next 60 years. Bring your questions and Congrats for these amazing staff members and friends.

Episode Notes

In the first segment Anthony welcomes Dan Spoone to share some details of how Interim Directorship will work for our beloved organization. There will be time for your questions and Shout-outs of congrats.

Then we Segway to OKO the revolutionary new Pedestrian Crossing App

Michael is founder and CEO of AYES. He holds a Master degree in Computer Science. Two years ago a blind family friend told Michael about his challenges while navigating outdoors. It's at that point he and his co-founders decided to build a solution for him and the 300M blind and visually impaired people.

How to download OKO? You can download OKO via this link: https://apps.apple.com/be/app/oko-by-ayes/id1583614988

Possible ways for getting in touch with OKO?

1. You can send us feedback through the OKO application. In settings there is a contact us button where you have the opportunity to write us an email.

2. Reach us through through www.ayes.ai and start a conversation with the chat bot.

3. Send us directly an email to [email protected] or [email protected] with your feedback, questions, etc.

Episode Notes

This week we welcome Friend to the show Jeanine Stanley to share her impressions of the famed CSUN; The great Tech, The Hob-Knobbing and as is the trend with Jeanine I am sure she will scoop us with an AIRA announcement or two, lol. Then in our second hour  friend to Sunday Edition David Goldfield returns to answer some of our questions about the Chat Bots that seem to have popped up all over the place. We will return to his impressions of Mastodon and see what in the Tech world has him excited.

Episode Notes

As most of you know, President Spoone will be movin on up to the DC side, and we are folding into the very capable hands of Deb Cook Lewis as our new President.

Besides getting to know Deb, we will also explore the transition a little bit and get a sense of the changing winds and her ideas of leadership.

Episode Notes

This week, “The Allens” will take the MIC and host a show all about Bug, Tech training and new advancements as well as bring the fun. While Anthony is traveling for work, Brynn, Sheila and the crew will bring you a great Sunday Brunch.

Episode Notes

Anthony and Brynn welcome Jeanine Stanley and friends back to the show to discuss the innovative ways we use AIRA. We will hear some fun tips and from agents about what has surprised them; ways explorers have helped to make their interactions better; and share a few anecdotes. Jeanine has promised a few new announcements, think Android and iOS. As Always, we will hear from our audience on how they use AIRA and their own tips and tricks.

Questions or comments for the show can be sent to: [email protected]

Episode Notes

Join Anthony and Brynn as they welcome Becky Dunkerson and Mark Richert back for another:

“To Holiday or not to Holiday, that is the question we shoot at with or without cupids arrow”

As the warmth and vulnerability from our Holiday conversation this past December,  faded we began to get requests for a like conversation for the lauded red heart and chocolate holiday, lol

We will reminisce, talk about alternate plans and ideas and hear from some of our wonderful friends. 

What is love? Romantic, Familial and Friendship love should all be celebrated every day, is it time to retire the cherubic Cupid?

Then we ask our audience to weigh in on the ACB Love? Do you feel it everyday? Are there things ACB as a grassroots organization can or should do to make sure we all feel the love?

Join Anthony, Brynn, Becky and Mark as we decide:

“To Cupid or not to Cupid?”

Questions or comments for the show can be sent to: [email protected]

Episode Notes

We deeply regret the delay in uploading this episode and extend our heartfelt apologies. We understand the significance of this podcast for many of you, and we truly appreciate your continued support. We are especially grateful to Tayler Zahnke for bringing this oversight to our attention. Please accept our sincerest apologies, and rest assured we will strive to prevent such delays in the future.

Last year our very own Greg was  lucky enough to get picked to attend the first-ever SongSight Music Retreat in Scottsdale, AZ. The event was put on by Scott MacIntyre, a successful blind artist who placed in the top 10 of American Idol in 2009. There were seven attendees and Scott, along with several producers who have worked with big-name artists. All eight of the blind individuals teamed up to produce a single while there called Let the Light In . It does include a video as well with clips of each artist from the retreat. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-KC4zIjRXA

This Sunday Anthony and Brynn are very excited to welcome Greg  and a few of the artists to share their experiences and give us a glimpse into the production and recording booths. Bring your ears, questions and shouts of praise for these wonderful musicians live Sunday at 1pm. 

From his early days as a classical concert pianist to capturing the hearts of millions of American Idol viewers with his engaging presence and vocal prowess, Scott MacIntyre has never let challenges keep him from achieving his dreams. Having performed with such notable acts as Michael W Smith, CeCe Winans, and Greater Vision, he has traveled the globe inspiring audiences with his music and story.

Grand Rapids native Tyler Zahnke has been singing and playing the piano since 2001 and has been on podcasts such as Lost in the Library and DisTopia, and has performed at the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids. Having composed music for organizations such as DisArt and iALAP and having collaborated with Nashville songwriters such as Jim Cristaldi and Eric Zanetis, he has put a wide variety of music into this world through various outlets, as well as sound effects and writing, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, while advocating accessibility for all.

Having been a musician for most of her life, Lizzie Dunn has combined these gifts with her passion for helping others and advocating for herself as a woman with a disability.  Lizzie has composed a number of instrumental pieces honoring special occasions or accomplishments, and her music has been featured in local Grand Rapids news segments, exhibits and shows for local organization DisArt, and a compilation album of music by blind composers and performers.  She attended Alma College and was a part of the Sigma Alpha Iota Women's Music Fraternity, and she is currently finishing her Masters of Social Work program at Western Michigan University while continuing her music for the enjoyment of herself and others.  She has won several blindness-related scholarships based on her musical ability, her passion for advocating for accessibility and equity, and her goal of helping others as a social worker. Greg Lindberg is from Wesley Chapel, FL. A lifelong writer, Greg earned a bachelor's in mass communication and a master's in journalism from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. He currently works as a web content manager for Saint Leo University under Enrollment Marketing and Communication. He also hosts the Eyes Free Sports podcast. Greg also serves as Publications Committee Chair for ACB Next Generation and previously served as secretary of the affiliate. When it comes to music, Greg played piano for seven years as a youngster, performing in several recitals. As an adult, he has been singing and playing guitar for nine years. He has performed at numerous open-mic nights, parties, and other events, including several virtual and in-person ACB events. This includes numerous picnics and Christmas parties hosted by the Pinellas Council of the Blind. He enjoys playing covers of everything from The Beatles to Bryan Adams to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to Maroon 5.