Originally Aired on ACB Media

Shae Puckett of the diaTribe Foundation described work to build a world in which people with diabetes were treated with dignity, curiosity rather than judgment, and compassion. The presentation explored how stigma could cause isolation and misunderstanding. Examples included assumptions that people had caused their own diabetes, criticism of their food choices, expectations that blood glucose testing or insulin use should occur only in private, and assumptions that diabetes prevented certain employment. Participants discussed advocating with diaTribe and others for greater understanding, acceptance, and support.

Facilitator: Patricia Maddix, ACBDA Board Member, Vancouver, WA

Presenter: Shae Puckett, M.S. dStigmatize Content Manager - The diaTribe Foundation, San Diego, CA

Originally Aired on ACB Media

The session provided an informative setting for HIV awareness, sexual and reproductive health, accessibility, and personal empowerment. Science-based information addressed stigma, confidence, and informed health decisions. Tia Irish of Pozitive EyE's and Alecia Tramel-McIntyre of Positive People Network Inc., an advocate who had lived with HIV for more than 30 years, combined professional expertise with lived experience. Participants learned about healthcare resources, their rights, and advocating for their needs with confidence and dignity.

Presenters: Alecia Tramel-McIntyre, founder of Positive People Network Inc., Miami, FL; Tia Irish, Director, Pozitive Eyes, Miami, FL; Ricardo Salazar, ACBS President, Miami, FL; Gregg Wandsneider, ACBS board member, Waukesha, WI

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Cleveland-area diabetes professionals discussed recent changes and recommendations for managing Type I and Type II diabetes. The session offered information to support disease management with confidence and independence.

Facilitator: Tom Tobin, ACBDA member, Cleveland Heights, OH

Presenters: Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, FCCP, Endocrine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Co-Director - Endocrine Disorders in Pregnancy at Cleveland Clinic Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute, Cleveland, OH; James Montgomery, PharmD, BCACP Primary Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist Cleveland Clinic - Solon Family Health Center, Cleveland, OH; Dr. Natalie Bellini, DNP, FNP-BC, BC-ADM Program Director Diabetes Technology University Hospitals Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center, Shaker Heights, OH

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Debbie Hazelton explored ways to feel better alongside or beyond prescription medicines, including hands-on or hands-above-the-body approaches, emotional freedom technique, Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, and other forms of energy medicine. She drew on more than 30 years of experience and her certifications in emotional freedom technique and Bach flower remedies, as well as her experience as a Reiki master. She shared techniques, websites, and ways to find more information, and took questions as time allowed.

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Participants explored WELL—wisdom, encouragement, listening, and learning—as a guide to supporting one another during demanding days and personal challenges. They discussed practical ways to lead with wisdom, encourage others, listen attentively, and remain open to learning. The session considered how these practices could strengthen relationships, create meaningful connections, build belonging, and support a stronger community.

Originally Aired on ACB Media

The Rehab Issues Task Force examined questions about whether the Rehabilitation Services Administration had moved to the Department of Labor, whether the Older Independent Blind Program had moved with it, and what these changes could mean for service providers and clients. The discussion considered national, state, and local perspectives and possible next steps.

Presenters: Greg Trapp, President, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (NCSAB), Executive Director, New Mexico Commission for the Blind, Albuquerque, NM; Tracy Anderson, President, Missouri Council of the Blind, St. Louis, MO; Ricardo Salazar, President, ACB Students, Miami, FL

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Larry Johnson, who had presented fall-prevention workshops lasting from one hour to eight weeks, and Doug Powell, a Tai Chi teacher with more than 20 years of experience, shared ways to improve the home environment and exercises to improve balance. They focused particularly on the needs of people who were blind or had low vision.

Originally Aired on ACB Media

Four individuals described overcoming unexpected circumstances while coping with vision loss. The session addressed resilience, courage, and new ways of thinking in response to life's challenges.