Upcoming Events | American Council of the Blind

For details on how to join our community events, sign up for our email list by filling out the subscription form, or by sending an email to: acb-community-events-subscribe@acblists.org. If your state or special interest affiliate would like your event listed on our Events page, send the information to: info@acb.org.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Date:

March 3

Location:

Teleconference

Details:

Wednesday Wake Up: 11am ET, 8am PT, 6am HT

It’s mid-week and your wonderful wacky wake up crew is waiting for you. So join Eugene and the gang for some morning chatter and a laugh or two. It’s a great way to start your Wednesday!

Widows and Widowers: 2pm ET, 11am PT, 9am HT

Join Roger Dennis for a time of sharing and connection. Together we will remember our partners and gain ideas on how to make living alone easier. Please remember, this call is only for those who have experienced such a life-altering loss of a spouse or significant-other.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this group is for peer support only. It is not a therapy group nor will it be facilitated by a health care professional and does not purport to provide mental health services.

HEALTH Check-Up – : 2pm ET, 11am PT, 9am HT

Join Dan, Darrow, Jay, and Terry as they discuss March madness -- How to keep advocating. Efforts marching on as we move into the follow up phase of fostering voices, choices, and community. The team will also present all the awareness events for March and weeks of celebration to help you plan your March Madness.

Reach the team via email: healthcheckupacb@gmail.com

Full Flexibility Yoga: 4pm ET, 1pm PT, 11am HT

All you need is some comfortable clothes, no shoes, and a mat as we dive headfirst into full flexibility yoga. No chair, no worries! This class will focus on a full range of body poses as we move from the chair to the floor. Come join us for an hour of relaxation and yoga in the comfort of our own homes. Hosted by Leslie Spoone, Certified Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer.

Taking Care of Our Mental Health: Surviving Loss and Moving through the grief process: 5pm ET, 2pm PT, 12pm HT

Grief is a normal emotional response to loss. Learn how to move through the grieving process and to recognize the complications of grief. Come share your experiences and what was most helpful to you in this painful process.

Join Jessie L. Rayl, Ed.D. for this psychoeducational presentation to learn and share.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this group is for peer support only. It is not a therapy group nor will it be facilitated by a health care professional serving in a professional capacity and does not purport to provide mental health services.

The Friendship Circle: 6pm ET, 3pm PT, 1pm HT

Let’s take our connection to the next level! How about smaller gatherings, four to six people in a breakout room and we’ll call them friendship circles. We’ll do them twice in one hour, coming together each time afterward to share with the bigger group. Please be on time to ensure participation in one of our friendship circles.

Note: Everyone must identify themselves to participate.

Turn the Page: To Romance and Mystery, 6:30pm ET, 3:30pm PT, 1:30pm HT

Romance and Mystery make up 65 percent of readers in the USA. Every other Wednesday, we will dive into one of these Genre’s. Whether you are a reader of one or both of these popular genres, the discussion will be inviting and informative while having fun. So settle in and grab your favorite books and let’s chat!

It’s Electric: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 2pm HT

Connect with us for current info about those small kitchen appliances we love so much: Instant Pots, air fryers, slow cookers, and more! Let's share our favorite appliances, tips, resources and recipes!

Braille Together Mingle: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 2:30pm HT

We are mentors who love and know the value of Braille.
If becoming better at using Braille sounds like fun, come join our weekly mingles.
There will be games and fun.
Folks can ask questions or possibly find a personal mentor.

Open Mic Night: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 3pm HT

Come share your talent, music, poetry, stories, etc. with our fun and awesome community! Your performance material can be up to 10 minutes in length! Please keep performances family appropriate with no profanity!

BITS Chat Meeting: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 3pm HT

These chat meetings are informal opportunities for members and friends to get together in an open chat setting. If you have a technology question, you may find the answer you are looking for in the BITS chat meeting.

Sponsored by Blind Information Technology Specialists

Magic Mac: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 4pm HT

Join in on an informative hour of Mac computing with the Magic Mac team of Tyson, Jason and Katie. We plan on showing an app or two, along with an announcement regarding the future direction of the show! And of course, your tech questions about the Apple mac computing systems. All in all, a call you don’t want to miss!

Midlife Mingle: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 4pm HT

If you would like to connect with others, share hobbies, address any issues or concerns that effect those of us whom are middle aged while having a relaxing and lively discussion, then join Karen Hughes and others. Topics are flexible and all are welcome.

Meditation Celebration: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 4pm HT

Join In for a special half-hour together including a 20 minute meditation. We look forward to you coming. Your presence, is our gift, our present. Your participation is our anticipation.

Event Category:

Community Events

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Date:

March 4

Location:

Teleconference

Details:

Throwback Thursday: 11AM ET, 8:00 AM PT, 6am HT

Let’s get social. Join Cindy and the gang for this “Throwback Thursday” as together we step back in time and remember and each share a special memory from our virtual photo albums.

West Coast Cafe: 1pm ET, 10am PT, 8am HT

Take a break and come into our virtual Cafe and bring your favorite beverage, West coast Style. Join Joe Green, Regina Marie, and the Capital Chapter of CCB. Drop in for 5 minutes or stay the whole time for some free-flowing conversation. Find out the “Question of the day.”
Connect with good friends and make some new ones.

Sponsored by the Capital chapter of CCB.

Seacret to Living Well: 2pm ET, 11am PT, 9am HT

Join Seacret Agent Brian as he welcomes Jessie Ruof into the Seacret Meeting Room!!! Jessie is a certified strength & conditioning specialist, functional movement expert, Doctor of Traditional Naturopathy, and Yoga Alliance certified yoga instructor, Jessie is founder of ELVTD MVMT and co-founder of BadassGlobal. With almost two decades of experience, she has guided over 150,000 people into a wellness enhancing lifestyle. She is also a mother, noted wellness lifestyle speaker, & wife.

Vispero Presentation: 3pm ET, 12pm PT, 10am HT

Join us for the Latest on JAWS, Live and Interactive with Eric Damery.

Resistance 101: 3:30pm ET, 12:30pm PT, 10:30am HT

It’s time for an upper body workout using resistance bands. Hand weights, Soup cans, or other household items can be substituted. These exercises can be done sitting or standing. Let’s all get moving with Leslie Spoone, Certified Aerobic Instructor and Personal Trainer.

Needle Knitting with Jeannie and Jane: 5pm ET, 2pm PT, 12pm HT

Come learn to knit or expand your skills. Beginners are asked to join us during the first hour to learn and practice the basics. If you're a more advanced knitter, please join us during the second hour as we share project ideas, patterns, tips, resources, etc., and learn from each other!

Note that the room will be locked at 5 after each hour and unlocked at the top of the hour. Please arrive on time & be ready to work.

To receive updates and supply lists, join us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/acbcrafters. To join our listserv send an email to: acb-crafters+subscribe@acblists.org. Feel free to contact us at acbcrafters@gmail.com.

Weather You Like It or Not: 6pm ET, 3pm PT, 1pm HT

Why does it rain? What is a cold front? How do winds work? These and many other questions will be answered here.

this week our weather wanderers will discuss front and polar vortices.

Technology Learning Lab: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 2pm HT

Come to learn about and discuss various technology topics. These could include learning about iPhone and iPad apps, feature demonstrations, as well as answering questions asked by participants. Shawn Thiel from ACB of Ohio will do his best to ensure that audio from the iOS device, computer, Victor Reader stream, Etc. is put through his mixer to be as clear as possible.

Amateur Radio Chat: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 2pm HT

Come meet your friends and learn about Amateur Radio. Maybe we will get a study group going.

Sponsored by Council of Citizens with Low Vision International

Basic iPhone Class: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 2:30pm HT

Have you been using an iPhone for a while, but don’t feel you’re getting the hang of it. Or did you just get one and feel overwhelmed by the learning curve? Please drop by for this friendly exchange of information, where the only silly question is the one you don’t ask.

Sobriety First: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 3pm HT

This call is for you if needing the support of a 12 step meeting and are unable to attend one near you.

Making Filing Less Taxing: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 4pm HT

Paying taxes is a part of life. During a pandemic, the ways many of us have taken care of this responsibility are no longer available with limited in-person opportunities. How can you as a blind or visually impaired person file your own taxes independently. We will hear from four folks who have done this now for a while and are making themselves available to share their experiences with TurboTax, Tax Slayer, and Tax Act. All three have been successfully used by Jaws users and the latter by someone using magnification. Join us to learn, ask your questions, and share your experiences.

Chewing the Fat: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 4pm HT

It’s the Fab 5! Jason Castonguay, Janine Stanley, Penny Reeder, Rick Morin and Debbie Hazelton. All things cooking, recipes, kitchens, gadgets! Fun, information-packed! Come be part of our banter and discussions! It’s March, St. Patty’s Day, so let’s talk about foods around this holiday and, how to eat more healthy greens!

Come Roar with ACB Lions: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 4pm HT

Join ACB Lions for our regular monthly conference call. This provides all Lions and those interested in Lionism an opportunity to learn about what ACB Lions is working on, and share what our local clubs are doing.

Thursday Nightcap: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 4pm HT

After going through the grind of a long hard day, why not relax with some stimulating conversation and fun along with your favorite virtual nightcap or whatever helps you sleep? We will keep things safe, friendly, and lively.

Event Category:

Community Events

Friday, March 5, 2021

Date:

March 5

Location:

Teleconference

Details:

Weekly Wrap Up: 11am ET, 8am PT, 6am HT

It's Friday, that means the weekend is near, and it's the last day of work for most. Celebrate the end of the week with David and your fellow community members with some lively chatter and fun. Meet new people, re-acquaint with old friends, and give yourself 60 minutes of smiles and good conversation.

CCLVI Coffee Break: 11am ET, 8am PT, 6am HT

Come sip some coffee, tea, or whatever keeps you going on a Friday morning! Join Kathy and Tom for a relaxing chat to prepare for the weekend.

Sponsored by Council of Citizens with Low Vision International

Writing Works Wonders: 1pm ET, 10am PT, 8am HT

Cheryl talks with retired Director of the Rehab for the Blind in MS, Michael Gandy. His unique way of sharing his books has earned him international recognition. You won’t want to miss this! Michael’s site: https://www.facebook.com/
Writing prompt: Describe a piece of furniture in your home. Like it or hate it? Why? Have fun.

Friday Crafty Gab: 1pm ET, 10am PT, 8am HT

Grab a seat, prop your feet and get ready to meet new friends!!
A place where we share our thoughts, ideas, and viewpoints as well as our crafty adventures. Looking forward to meeting all of you!!

To receive updates and supply lists join us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/acbcrafters. To join our listserv send an email to: acb-crafters+subscribe@acblists.org. Feel free to contact us at acbcrafters@gmail.com.

Free To Be Me: 2pm ET, 11am PT, 9am HT

If you find yourself sick of the same old thing, tired of intolerant folks, and unbending rules, I invite you to join this group. Freedom To Be Me is a group where wonderfully happy, and loving people talk about Books, Books, and More.

Apple Presentation – Time Check: Part 2: 3pm ET, 1pm PT, 11am HT

We continue our journey through Watch OS with Voiceover. This time, Matt Vollbrecht and his team will show you how to use apps and perform many tasks, such as sending and reading Messages, setting timers, controlling Home accessories, answering phone calls, keeping a grocery list, and much more, all on your Apple Watch.

Happy Hour Cardio: 3:30pm ET, 12:30pm PT, 10:30am HT

Come and have fun with Leslie for an enthusiastic ride or walk on your cardio machine of choice. Whether using the stationary bike, treadmill, or elliptical, you don’t need to be advanced to join this class.

Blindness Plus Other Disabilities Equals Courage and Overcoming: 4pm ET, 1pm PT, 11am HT

This is a call for those who are blind with another disability. We will share with and encourage one another in a supportive and respectful environment.

Line Dancing: 5pm ET, 2pm PT, 12pm HT

Line dancing can be a very effective exercise routine. Needed: shoes with a little slide to them, non-carpeted floor if possible, and be ready to have fun! If you’d like to get an understanding of some of the terminology before joining in, check out the Vicki Jackson Youtube video on basic steps for line dancing: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLY9Ppq0ApxetCoRuJGWLvftA6gKvam72

In Perspective podcast: 5pm ET, 2pm PT, 12pm HT

Join us as we record the In Perspective podcast where we build bridges and empower through interviews and conversation. This week's guest: Jonathan Gale, disability activist to talk largely about housing. Questions welcome.

VISAbilities: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 2pm HT

Join Terry as she hosts a dynamic and energetic roundtable discussion including Lesli Spoone, Terry Suarez, Tyson Ernst, and others. Physical well-being is especially important to those of us over 50. We all need to get up and get moving regardless of age. Everyone is welcome.

DKM Community Express: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 2:30pm HT

Come learn all you need to know to apply for the DKM First-Timers award and the ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows award.

Sponsored by The Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee

The Joy of Music: 7:30pm ET, 4:30pm PT, 2:30pm HT

Come and join your friends for fun with music. Let’s have some fun discussions about that thing in our life that brings us so many emotions while evoking so much joy in our hearts.

BITS Chat Meeting: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 3pm HT

Sponsored by Blind Information Technology Specialists

It’s Play Time: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 4pm HT

Meka and Cindy welcome you to join in for another fun Friday night filled with games and laughter.

Event Category:

Community Events

Saturday, March 6, 2021

Date:

March 6

Location:

Teleconference

Details:

Weekend Wind Down: 11am ET, 8am PT, 6am HT

Grab your favorite morning beverage and let’s join Danette as we share an hour together, winding down from a long week.

Angel Eyes Class: 12pm ET, 9am PT, 7am HT

Clear, simplified movement to fun, upbeat rhythms makes for a winning, sweat-inducing cardio workout every time. Add in light weights to get those muscles popping and body will get movin’.

Sponsored by Angel Eyes Fitness and Nutrition

Muffin or bread basket weaving class: 12pm ET, 9am PT, 7am HT

This is a beginner basket weaving class. We will be learning the different weaving terms. We will go over some of the tools and materials needed to weave simple but lovely baskets. The Ultimate goal is to give everyone the opportunity to learn a new skill and craft and to have something they can treasure when the class is over.

The circle monthly moot: 12pm ET, 9am PT, 7am HT

This month we will hold an open chat around the topic of spiritual spring cleaning. What do you do to cleanse the heaviness of the winter as spring begins to bloom and the northern hemisphere begins to thaw. What plans are you considering as the pandemic restrictions begin to lift?

Following a Druid Path, 1pm ET, 10am PT, 8am HT

What is a druid? Historically and within today’s world? Let’s learn about the path together and explore what we know about the Druids and how we can integrate the teachings into our own lives.

Healthy Living Encouragement: 2pm ET, 11am PT, 9am HT

If you're pursuing health and well-being and you'd like to share support with like-minded friends, we'd love to have you join us for an hour of encouragement, resources, ideas, and fun. There is no one right way to well-being, so we welcome all, no matter your path. In January we will be discussing the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear (DB92857).

Exploring NVDA: 3pm ET, 12pm PT, 10am HT

Each week we will go through the ins and outs of NVDA, a free and open source screen reader for windows. as well as NVDA, we will take a deep dive into windows products such as the office suite and windows ecosystem.

To grab your very own copy of NVDA please visit: https://www.nvaccess.org/download/

If you are looking for help with NVDA such as user guides go here: https://www.nvaccess.org/get-help/

Finally, if you are looking for addons to help enhance your NVDA experience go here: https://addons.nvda-project.org/index.en.html

ACB Radio Round Table: 4pm ET, 1pm PT, 11am HT

Come meet with us! We’re talking in details about Groups .IO and about our podcasts. We answer your questions and tell you about what’s new, how we’re changing, what’s coming up.

Psychic development: 4pm ET, 1pm PT, 11am HT

Welcome to week three of the intuition development class. This week will be part one of two of the study of clairvoyance. Clairvoyance means Psychic site. Contact Julia at mysticmilieu@gmail.com.

Care Giver Support Group: 5pm ET, 2pm PT, 11am HT

If you are a care giver or have a friend or loved one in long-term care or assisted living, this group is for you. For all of us, this has been a very difficult time and we need one another. Let’s get together and give each other virtual hugs.

Moving On After Divorce: 7pm ET, 4pm PT, 2pm HT

Whether after one or thirty years together, divorce changes the fabric of your life.
You aren’t alone in this journey, so please join us to share how you are feeling, along with others and know you have friends who are going through the same struggles.

Note: The room will be locked five minutes after the scheduled start time allowing attendees to feel free to share without interruptions.

Let’s Talk Sports – March Madness: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 3pm HT

Dan and Eric are back to talk March Madness, Spring Training, and more. Oh yes, and since Super Bowl 55, who will be treating who to a steak? Here’s your chance to weigh in the fanatical fun.

BITS Chat Meeting: 8pm ET, 5pm PT, 3pm HT

Sponsored by Blind Information Technology Specialists

Karaoke: 9pm ET, 6pm PT, 4pm HT

Meka and Cindy are besties who love to go to Karaoke together, but now they live 2300 miles apart and there’s a pandemic. So they’re opening their Zoom Room for some crazy singing fun and hope you’ll decide to join in. Get your karaoke song queued up on your computer, grab your favorite beverage of choice, and whether you come to sing or not, take part in some community time.

Event Category:

Community Events