Originally Aired on ACB Media

NLS Director Jason Broughton and Deputy Director Jason Yasner shared developments at the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. The session addressed upcoming initiatives, the service's future, and questions about programs and services.

Presenters: Jason Broughton, Director, and Jason Yasner, Deputy Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Washington, DC

Facilitator: Paul Edwards, Past President, Library Users of America, Jacksonville, FL

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Originally Aired on ACB Media

Participants joined an interactive conversation with Talking Book narrator MacKenzie Beyer, with questions welcome and a possible live reading. Her narration credits included The Best Thing by Mariana Capata, A Precious Jewel by Mary Balogh, and Bummer Summer by Ann Martin.

Facilitated by Ralph Smitherman, Secretary, Library Users of America, Brandon, MS.

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Originally Aired on ACB Media

Participants learned about the history of braille at the Missouri School for the Blind and discussed contemporary braille use, including technology and Protactile for people who were deafblind. Hands-on materials were available.

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Originally Aired on ACB Media

Neva Fairchild presented Seeing Braille, a PC program that enabled blind or sighted presenters to demonstrate braille to sighted audiences in person or online. The program explored dot positions, letter patterns, numbers, punctuation, and uncontracted or contracted words and phrases. It helped users learn braille visually and explain it to parents, classmates of blind children, and the general public.

Presenter: Neva Fairchild, TX, American Foundation of the Blind, Aging and Vision Loss Specialist (retired), Dallas, TX

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Originally Aired on ACB Media

The session explored the definition, history, and growing impact of book banning on access to information. Participants discussed who decided which content was appropriate and how those decisions affected education, libraries, and society. The discussion addressed equity concerns, including disproportionate effects on blind and low vision readers and others facing access barriers. It also examined intellectual freedom and practical advocacy for inclusive, accessible, and diverse collections.

Presenters: Regina Brink, First Vice President, California Council of the Blind, Sacramento, CA; Annie Chiappetta, President, Friends In Art of ACB, Monroeville, PA

Facilitator: Deborah Kendrick, award-winning writer, columnist and poet, Cincinnati, OH

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Originally Aired on ACB Media

Participants explored Bookshare, described as the world's largest accessible library of published copyrighted books, and its role in reading and learning for people with print disabilities. They learned to navigate the platform, download books in accessible formats, and use reading tools to personalize their experience for school, work, and daily life. The session also previewed Bookshare Plus, an AI-powered tool that converted noncopyrighted materials into accessible formats available through Bookshare. Students, parents, educators, service providers, and readers explored ways to expand access and independence.

Presenter: Mario Oliveros, Director with Bookshare, Palo Alto, CA

Facilitator: Brian Charlson, Past President, Library Users of America, Watertown, MA

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20250709 1600 Yes Braille Can be Fun Originally Broadcasted July 9, 2025, on ACB Media Participants joined their Braille Revival League friends at an in-person convention session to test your trivia knowledge about braille, its history, and the Braille Revival League, as well as see what other fun things we have in store. And by the way, there were prizes!!

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20250708 1430 LUA Presents a Q and A with the NLS Director Originally Broadcasted July 8, 2025, on ACB Media 2 NLS Director Jason Broughton brought us up to speed with happenings at NLS and answered our questions about this most important service. Presenter: Jason Broughton, Director, NLS, Washington, DC Facilitator: Paul Edwards, Jacksonville, FL

Find out more at https://acb-focus-literacy.pinecast.co