American Council of the Blind of Maine

 

Welcome to ACB of Maine

2022 ACB of Maine Virtual Convention November 5. Save the date and Join Us!

A ten minute video interview by President Leona McKenna with Marj Awalt follows on Hugh Awalt’s work and contributions with ACB of Maine and many of his community volunteer activities. Video Credit – Jason Levasseur, Acoustified Media; Andrea Salib

 ACB of Maine would like to wish you the best with all your endeavors and invite you to join us as we move ahead towards a tomorrow filled with those special ingredients that makes us one of the best organizations around.

 Please feel free to look through our website, and while you’re at it, go grab yourself an ACB day!

President’s message:

This past October, I was granted the honor of leading an organization for which I have been a part of for many years. In that time I have seen ACB of Maine go through many changes. As president of ACB, I will encourage positive change and promote the growth of this organization. It is the strength that comes from an alliance among people who share adversity, an understanding of the capabilities of blind individuals and a mission to bring about true equality for all individuals that gives ACB of Maine a solid foundation on which to stand. Our common bond as blind individuals and our goal to bring about change that leads to a fully inclusive society keeps our organization working toward a brighter future. As we enter into a new and challenging phase for our organization, I am hopeful that we can come together again as an organization and as friends. I believe that together we can accomplish more. –Leona McKenna

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Helen Keller

President’s Message 2021

ACB of Maine Tech Talk

Want to learn more about accessible technology?  Curious how technology might be able to help you live a more fulfilling life?  Do you have questions about technology and just don’t know who to ask?

ACB of Maine has launched a new technology-related program called Tech Talk, hosted by Steve Sawczyn.  Tech Talk is a program that will allow folks to get technology questions answered, and have an opportunity to learn something new.  Tech Talk will take place via Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00PM from February – July.  Information for joining the Zoom meeting will be sent out prior to each program.

The sessions are a great opportunity for you to provide input on the types of topics you would like to see covered during future editions of the program.  Also, we’ll review how to effectively use the Zoom conferencing system which may be helpful to those who are new to using Zoom, and to those who just might want a refresher.

I hope you will join me for Tech Talk, where together, we can share information about accessible technology, learn from one another, and find ways to use tech in ways that can improve our lives.  Tech Talk Dates: March 8th, April 12th, May 10th, June 14th, July 12th. To register for the program and if you have any questions about Zoom, contact Steve Sawczyn at Email:  Steve@Sawczyn.com

 Phone:  (207) 458-8270. 

The summary of the first session by Steve Sawczyn follows: 
I just want to take a moment and thank all of you for attending this evening’s inaugural ACB of Maine Tech Talk.  I already love all the participation and knowledge that was shared.  For those who were unable to attend, we do have a recording of tonight’s program, but we’re still working out the details on how to make that available.  As soon as we have all the technical stuff ironed out, I will share a link to the recording.
In addition to introductions, here are some of the topics that were discussed, with relevant links:

Note, I do my best to keep track of all topics and resources discussed, but there’s a lot going on behind the scenes during the program and so if I missed anything, please let me know and I’ll include it in the next update.
Thanks again for joining me for Tech Talk, I look forward to our next discussion on Tuesday, 03/08 at 7:00 PM.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life.

ACB Maine Newsletter 

Check out the latest ACB Maine Newsletter