We collected some written feedback from several members of ACB Next Generation who attended the 2026 ACB Conference and Convention. Here’s what some of them had to say:
Kristen Kelling, ACB NextGen President
“This convention was another one for the books. I had so many opportunities and experiences that I will remember and cherish for the years to come. I really enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and meeting people that I’ve worked with or talked to virtually. One such person was a friend that I met when the convention was in Schaumberg three years ago. Since he lives in St. Louis, he took me to several local spots that I wouldn’t have found out about otherwise.
I also really enjoyed going through the exhibit hall and learning about some of the new technology that is on the horizon. It’s always amazing to see how far technology has come and what companies are doing with it.
I also attended several sessions that were good. I participated on the leader side of the Leadership Linkup event. I’ve enjoyed this event the last couple of times we’ve held it. If I could change one thing about it, I would hope that in the future, we are put in a better room where we could have a better setup. It was very difficult to hear those we were networking with. Even though it didn’t go according to plan, I enjoyed the Convention Kickoff and seeing our attendees really enjoy themselves. This was a special kickoff because we had the opportunity to present our inaugural Leadership Champion Award to our board liaison, Kenneth Semien Sr.
Finally, I enjoyed serving as a mentor for a scholarship recipient again this year. Learning about the recipients is a highlight of my convention experience, and I have enjoyed having the opportunity to do my part to help someone else along in their journey.”
Joseph Hernandez, Director on the ACB NextGen Board
“The 2026 American Council of the Blind Conference and Convention was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of community, advocacy, and identity. As the event approached, my anticipation grew steadily, fueled by the knowledge that I would soon meet people from across the country who shared similar experiences. The excitement of attending my first national convention built day by day, reminding me that participation in ACB is not merely an activity but a meaningful step toward empowerment. (ACB emphasizes national advocacy and community engagement for blind individuals.)
Upon arriving, I was struck by the diversity of attendees. Some navigated independently, others asked for assistance, and many used a combination of strategies. This variety demonstrated that blindness is not a singular experience but a spectrum of approaches, strengths, and adaptations. Despite our differences, we shared one unifying truth: we are blind, and we thrive through community. The exhibit hall offered hands‑on learning opportunities, including a blind hockey demonstration that showcased athleticism and teamwork. I visited the ACB Mini Mall, purchasing a polo shirt for myself and a sweatshirt for my fiancé. These moments highlighted the blend of independence and connection that defines ACB events.
Walking a guide dog was one of the most memorable experiences of the convention. Feeling the dog’s precision, awareness, and commitment to its handler gave me a deeper appreciation for the partnership between guide dogs and the individuals they serve. (Guide dog programs rely on intensive training to ensure safe and effective mobility partnerships.)
The general sessions brought all attendees together in a powerful display of unity. Listening to speeches, discussions, and advocacy updates reminded me that equality is not an abstract concept, but a shared mission.
In conclusion, the 2026 ACB convention affirmed that community strengthens confidence, independence, and purpose. I highly recommend ACB membership to anyone seeking connection, support, and empowerment.”
Sara Mornis, Director on the ACB NextGen Board
“This was my third consecutive ACB Conference and Convention, and each year becomes all the more fun and memorable. There are aspects of convention that return each year, such as familiar faces and friendships that we’ve established over the years, or revisiting our favorite exhibitors in the exhibit hall. But each year offers a new spark as well, an opportunity to meet new faces, discover technology, and embark on adventures with fellow blind peers on tours. Many of us, myself included, would not have the opportunity for such activities in their hometown throughout the year, which makes this truly a special annual event.
I enjoyed reuniting with friends whom I only met online initially or briefly in passing in prior years, as well as meeting new people. I was able to check out the latest in technology, such as the Monarch, and the latest braille notetakers. I got to eat food that was only native to St. Louis, Missouri, such as Ooey-Gooey butter cake, and special pizza with a cracker-thin crust and different type of cheese.
I enjoyed all of the ACB NextGen events, including the sessions on advocating and conducting yourself in social situations, and the mock interview session. These soft skills are critical for our next generation of leaders to foster and develop. My hope is that ACB Students and ACB Next Generation will continue to collaborate as affiliates and attract young voices and leaders.
I can’t wait till we meet again next year!”
Jessica Dail, ACB NextGen Secretary
“This year, as I have for several years now, I attended the ACB Conference and Convention which took place in St. Louis, Missouri from July 24-31. I also attended parts of the virtual portion of the convention which took place from July 13-17. This most recent convention was particularly notable & life-changing and here’s what made it so.
Several times, I got to visit the exhibit hall. It was during one of those times that I met Tristan and Renee, who have a company called NVision Guitars. Their mission is to create guitars for people with any sort of disability. For example, Renee’s father was a quadriplegic, which meant he only had the use of one hand. So, what did they do you may ask? They built him a guitar that he could play! They will also do this for people who are blind or have low vision by placing specific bumps on the back of the neck of the guitar near where the fret markers are located on the front. They can also customize ukuleles. These incredible people are changing lives through the power of music. In fact, I connected them with Scott MacIntyre who runs SongSight, a weekend retreat for Blind & visually impaired musicians. Renee & Tristan are highly considering volunteering for the event in the future. I had the privilege of attending SongSight this year & it was absolutely life-changing! I learned about the process of songwriting & got to play a variety of musical instruments.
I also went on various tours at the convention, including a city bus tour where they drove through downtown St. Louis & talked about the history. Being the history buff that I am, I loved all the facts & other data they presented. St. Louis is famous for beer. Another tour we attended was the Jefferson Barrick’s telephone Museum which features actual working telephones, including pay phones. The best part for me, as a ham radio operator, is that there is a Morse code key right next to the entrance door. I got a chance to play with that for a few minutes while I was waiting for the rest of my group.
From getting a pair of Meta glasses, to the performance with my new band, Radiant Faith Project, to meeting a ton of incredible people, this year’s convention is certainly one I’ll remember for many years to come & quite possibly the rest of my life.
(If anyone wishes to see the video of our performance, it’s on Facebook & I also have it on my phone & can share it if people contact me.)
Niral Sheth, ACB NextGen Member
“Attending the 2026 ACB Conference and Convention in St. Louis was a fantastic experience. It seems that with each passing year, the convention continuously grows to be even better, enriching the lives of all who attend. Much of this comes down to the deep sense of community and the powerful connections made throughout the event.
My convention experience began during the virtual week, where I joined the “Boomers vs. Next Generation” session. Although the Boomers took home the win, it was a spirited and joyful time for everyone involved.
Once the hybrid portion of the convention began, I attended the advocacy session, which – as expected – was deeply enlightening and informative. I also took part in the “Stepping into Confidence” workshop. It was an insightful session, serving as a welcome reminder that we all have areas in life where we can build greater confidence. Another standout was the Aira presentation, which offered an exciting look into the future of visual interpretation technology.
Beyond the educational programming, the local tours provided plenty of fun and memorable moments:
- Mississippi Riverboat Cruise – We kicked off the outings with a delicious dinner while floating along the iconic Mississippi River.
- Louis City Bus Tour – This was a classic overview showcasing the unique history and sights of the host city.
- The Gateway Arch – This was a visit to St. Louis’s most famous and iconic landmark.
- Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Factory Tour – This was a delicious final excursion filled with sweet treats and behind-the-scenes insights.
If you weren’t able to join us this year and are wondering if you missed out, don’t worry – I highly encourage you to mark your calendars for next year! The next ACB Conference and Convention will take place from July 23-30, 2027, in Jacksonville, Florida. I hope to see you there!”
Amanda Selm, ACB NextGen Immediate Past President/Convention Committee Chair
“I hope that each of you enjoyed the 2026 ACB Conference and Convention. Whether you attended virtually or in person, we enjoyed having you as a participant in our events.
I would first like to thank the ACB Next Generation Board of Directors for providing me with a Convention Committee chair stipend. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to support our committee members while we were in St. Louis and assist with facilitating events. I love event planning, and I love seeing all of the hard work come together from our team. As I have stated previously, I am a behind-the-scenes person. Not only do I enjoy planning events for our organization, but I enjoy planning events that are meaningful and educational for our members. This is the teacher in me. I am so excited to have been re-appointed to lead our team to victory during this next term. Thank you to all of our board Members for their support this year.
I would love to thank our ACB Next Generation Convention Committee for all of their hard work. We were presented with some challenges during this term, and I have enjoyed watching us as a team navigate those challenges. I have also seen a lot of growth from several of our committee members. I look forward to watching them mentor new committee members once again this year. I also look forward to seeing continuous growth within each of them. Thank you, Moe Carpenter, Terrilynn Higashi- Akamine, Ana Martinez Lurambe, Megan Meigs, and Gregg Wandsneider for all of your hard work, flexibility, and fun-loving energy. Thank you all for another amazing year!
In addition to our Convention Committee, there are several individuals and partnerships I would like to recognize. Thank you to the ACB Employment Committee, the Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss (AAVL), ACB Students, and the Berl Colley Leadership Committee for partnering with us to produce amazing convention programming this year. Thank you to Sam Claasen with Blind Soul Productions for providing DJ services for our Rise Together Convention Kickoff. Thank you to all of our ACB leaders who participated in our Leadership Linkup 2.0 Ready, Set, Network event. We could not have put together a fabulous lineup of events with your partnerships, and we look forward to building more meaningful relationships in the future.
Lastly, I want to thank our ACB Next Generation members. Thank you all for not just your attendance, but also for your feedback. We have already received ideas and suggestions for next year. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me and our committee. We want to do our very best to provide a high-quality convention experience for our members.”