ACB’s People Connectors

By Jeanne McClellan

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a most fierce and effective advocacy organization, but it also  provides many opportunities for community and connecting through its ACB media and ACB community platforms.

In a conversation with Michael Babcock, Membership Engagement Specialist at ACB, I learned a lot about both.

ACB radio, now referred to as ACB Media, started in 2001 with Jonathan Mosen playing a critical role in its creation. It has substantial content such as live streams as well as pre-recorded content including Eyes on Success, a podcast aired on Media 1 (one of ten streams where programming is available). A great way to listen to the streaming podcast is through your Echo Dot device. Just say, “Alexa, ask ACB Media to play (insert the channel number you want).” ACB Media now runs about 40 podcast feeds – live streams and past epidode recordings. Media 3 plays old radio shows from the 30s, one of their most popular channels, and Media 4 plays music programs. Channel 10 plays the ACB newsletter, Braille Forum, every two hours so folks can stay informed. Other channels are used for special programming, like Board meetings or annual ACB convention coverage.

ACB Community was the brainchild of Cindy Hollis and began in 2020 – in part due to the isolation caused by the COVID lockdown. ACB Media and ACB Community are connected through several shared channels, namely channels 4,5, and 6. About 30-40% of ACB Community programs are on those channels, but you can also access them through Zoom. Anytime between ~9 am to 11 pm Sunday through Saturday you will find something of interest including: discussion and topic groups; classes on a variety of subjects like gardening, technology, exercise, and a myriad of other interests; and support groups such as the widows and widowers group I attend. ACB Community has about 170 different calls that even include a popular Saturday night karaoke! All voices, regardless of singing ability, are welcome. It is rebroadcast on Media channel 4 each week.

One way to access ACB Community programming without using those channels, is by subscribing to the daily programming schedule email (email community@acb.org to subscribe). The email will provide you with the daily programming schedule including Zoom links so you can participate in the plethora of interesting programs/calls. If you want to suggest a call that you want to host, you would use the same email address and submit your idea. It would then be considered and you would be contacted for further follow-up. The only criteria for programs are that they should be “safe, welcoming, and respectful family-friendly content,” as attendees can span ages 12 to seniors in their 90s! All the programs are proposed and run by volunteers.

Currently, ACB Media and Community combined have about 3,500 participants who are enjoying the efforts of dedicated volunteers making these connections for us possible. But Michael laments that that number is only a fraction of blind and visually impaired folks who could benefit from these services. He would like to see that number increase to 10,000 participants. I encourage everyone to check out ACB Media and ACB Community. You will undoubtedly find something that will meet your needs, or provide enjoyment in so many ways. Remember, as I always say, there is life after blindness! ACB Media and Community are proving it.

_

About the author:

Jeanne McClellan was born and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan, earned a master’s degree in psychology, and worked for approximately 30 years as a counselor and social worker until she retired in 2009.