• Advocacy Series: Part 3 – Advocating at the Local, State, & National Levels

    Summary: In Episode 6 of the NextUp with NextGen podcast, we feature the third and final part of our Advocacy Series events. Held in July of 2023, this event focused on taking the next step in getting involved in advocacy. We were privileged to have Swatha Nandhakumar, the advocacy and governmental affairs specialist for the…

  • ACB NextGen Remembers September 11, 2001

    Today marks the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day that will always live in American history for the tragic terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. We asked some members of our NextGen Publications Committee what they remember from this day in their lives. Below is a roundup of their…

  • ACB History 101: Looking back at the history of the American Council of the Blind

    In Episode 5 of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from a recent education event put on by the ACB NextGen Programs Committee. Held in August of 2023, the event was titled “ACB History 101.” It features panelists Mitch Pomerantz, former president of the American Council of the Blind, and Carla…

  • Passion Project Portal: Michael Babcock (by Hindley Williams)

    A photo of Michael Babcock as he stands at his desk with a microphone off to his left and the office cubical wall behind him. In ACB Next Generation, we know Michael Babcock as the website guru. He is always working behind the scenes to ensure our website remains current, looks its best, and is…

  • My Review of Picture Smart in JAWS (by Greg Lindberg)

    I have been a JAWS screen reader user for several years now. Out of all of the computer screen readers, I’ve always gravitated toward it because of its overall functionality and reliability.A relatively new feature in JAWS caught my attention when it was first released a few years ago as part of JAWS 19. Picture…

  • Part 2 of the Notetaking 101 Series: Focusing on Technology

    In Episode 4 of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from Part 2 of the Notetaking 101 educational event series put on by the ACB Next Generation Programs Committee in October of 2022. The panelists for this event were Maria Kristic, the current treasurer of NextGen, and Greg Lindberg, the current…

  • Passion Project Portal: Greg Lindberg (by Hindley Williams)

    A photo of Greg Lindberg holding a bat over his shoulder; he is wearing his Braille Bandits jersey which is red and black and a Braille Bandits hat which is red; the photo is from the 2019 National Beep Baseball Association World Series in Tulsa, OK Greg Lindberg balances his involvement with ACB Next Generation…

  • Celebrating Disability Pride Month (by Hindley Williams)

    Every July, Disability Pride Month reminds us to recognize and celebrate disabled individuals as a respected intersection of humankind, while also reflecting on the ongoing journey toward equality and inclusion. It is an opportunity to challenge stigmas and misconceptions, promote disability rights, and let us consider how to foster a more inclusive society. It is…

  • Part 1 of the Notetaking 101 Series

    In Episode 3 of the Next Up with NextGen podcast, we feature a recording from Part 1 of the Notetaking 101 educational event series put on by the ACB Next Generation Programs Committee in August of 2022. The panelists for this event were Melanie Sinohui, the current second vice president of NextGen, and Ray Campbell,…

  • Passion Project Portal: Meet Benjamin Wright (By Hindley Williams)

    Passion Project Portal: Meet Benjamin Wright (By Hindley Williams Photo above: Benjamin Wright, wearing a t-shirt that says “DADDY” poses with his young daughter. Benjamin Wright has dedicated over a decade of his life to the American Council of the Blind (ACB), becoming a member of the Kentucky affiliate in 2011. His commitment and passion…